NEWS RUSHES US offers to sell jet fighters and provide other military aid to Indonesia

Описание: (27 Feb 2008) SHOTLIST :
1. US secretary of defense, Robert Gates walking
2. Indonesian president, Susilo Bambang yudhoyono welcoming and greeting Gates
3. Various shot of S.B.Yudhoyono meeting Robert gates
4. Cutaway cameraman
5. set up shot of press conference
6. SOUNDBITE : English
" We discuss how the United States to contribute an ongoing effort to reform Indonesia military and develop its capability especially in the air lift and maritime domain whether by training or providing equipment. US stand ready to assist in whatever way we can "
Robert Gates
US Secretary of defense
7. Cutaway journalist
8. SOUNDBITE : English
" We have no problem with engaging again with US in the refurbishing of C 130 and possible refurbishment of our F 16 which we bought back in 80's "
Juwono Sudarsono
Indonesia Defense Minister
9. Cutaway
10.SOUNDBITE : English
" We are working on this with state department to try and simplify the bureaucracy. a lot of problem we face in our regulation and we are looking to see what help we can get and what help we need to ask for the congress "
Robert Gates
US Secretary of defense
11. Cutaway Cameraman
12. gates leaving press conference
STORYLINE :
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) _ The United States offered to sell jet fighters and provide other military aid to Indonesia on Monday, showing support to a moderate Muslim nation that is also seen as a counterbalance to China's growing clout in Asia.
"The United States stands ready to assist in whatever way we can," U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters after meeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
After 13 years of estrangement, the United States is trying to improve military relations with Indonesia, which can play a key role in a region dominated by worries about North Korea's nuclear ambitions and China's military buildup.
The country has also seen a string of terrorist attacks on Western targets by militants with links to al-Qaida. It is home to some 190 million Muslims, but has a secular, pro-Western government.
Indonesian Defense Juwono Sudarsono said his country planned to buy six F-16 fighter jets from the United States in the coming years as well as use its mechanics to refurbish its existing fleet. He did not give details on the financing arrangements.
"That will be just enough to give us strategic parity with our neighbors," he said.
Indonesia's military helped propped up former dictator Gen. Suharto, who was ousted in 1998.
Since then it has given up some of its powers and is making attempts to transform itself into a professional defense force.
Gates said he discussed how the United States could help the force with training or equipment and work with Congress "to help facilitate whatever ever procurement, upgrading or refurbishing Indonesia wishes to do."
"Indonesia could be an example for others in terms of a military that has withdrawn from political life and civil activities and focused on defense of the nation," he said.
The U.S. cut all military ties with Indonesia in 1992, after its army and militia proxies devastated East Timor during its break from Jakarta. But citing the need to engage the country because of the war on terror, the U.S. restored all links in 2005.
Gates is visiting five countries during an eight-day tour, and will make stops later this week in India and Turkey.

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