The United States announced on Monday that it
would sell eight Apache attack helicopters to Jakarta as it seeks
to bolster ties with South-east Asia despite concerns over the
Indonesian military's rights record.
Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel disclosed the US$500 million
(S$639.8 million) deal - which includes pilot training and radars -
on a visit to the Indonesian capital, his second stop on a
week-long tour of the region.
It is aimed at strengthening military ties as part of the US
"pivot" towards the Asia-Pacific amid concern about Beijing's
growing assertiveness, but Mr Hagel's attention has been diverted
from the trip by a confrontation with Syria.
"Providing Indonesia these world-class helicopters is an example
of our commitment to help build Indonesia's military capability,"
said Mr Hagel after talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Defence
Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro. "A strong Indonesia is good for the
region."
Does such weapons deal provide peace or create tension within
the region?
