RI, U.S. to hold military exercise
RI, U.S. to hold military exercise
Agence France Presse, Jakarta
U.S. troops arrived in Indonesia on Monday to take part in an
annual joint maritime exercise aimed at improving military
cooperation with the world's largest Muslim-populated country.
Representatives of 800 U.S. military personnel came ashore in
the Java island port city of Surabaya before the maneuvers to
meet Indonesian naval officials, the U.S. embassy said.
The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)
program, involving the U.S and six Asian countries, has been held
annually since 1995. But the Indonesian segment had been
suspended for two years at Jakarta's request.
The revival of Indonesia's role comes at a time when
Washington is eager to restore military links that were suspended
over rights concerns.
But Indonesia has refused U.S. suggestions of help to police
the pirate-infested Malacca Strait, which analysts say is also
vulnerable to terrorist attack.
"The purpose of these exercises is to improve military
readiness and interoperability with each CARAT partner in such
areas as maritime interdiction; maritime surveillance; and
boarding, search, seizure, diving and salvage," a U.S. embassy
statement said.
U.S. participants in the exercises include the guided missile
frigate USS Rodney M. Davis, landing ship USS Harpers Ferry, and
rescue and salvage ship USS Safeguard, the statement said.
American P-3C Orion and SH-60 Seahawk aircraft and a U.S.
Coast Guard training team will also take part in the joint
exercise.
"We are excited to be in Indonesia and working with Indonesian
Armed Forces," said U.S. Rear Admiral Kevin Quinn, who is
responsible for overall CARAT coordination.
He said the U.S. servicemen, while in Indonesia, will also
provide medical and dental care to local residents, reprising
similar assistance extended after last year's devastating Indian
Ocean tsunami.
The exercises with Indonesia follow previous CARAT maneuvers
involving Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Further exercises are
due to be carried out with the Philippines and Brunei this year.