U.S. and Indonesia Wrap Up Security Dialogue

August 3, 2005

The delegations of the U.S. and Indonesia, headed respectively by BGen John Allen and Maj-Gen Dadi Susanto, held the 3rd U.S.-Indonesia Security Dialogue in Jakarta from August 2 to 3. BGen Allen is the Principal Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of Defense, while Maj-Gen Susanto serves in the Indonesian Department of Defense as Director-General for Defense Strategy.

Opening the Dialogue, U.S. Ambassador B. Lynn Pascoe said: "Our hope is to expand our collaborative relationship by mapping out a strategic framework to synergize bilateral cooperation on shared strategic issues, thereby creating an atmosphere conducive to continued economic development and peace."

During the two-day conference, both delegations discussed a broad range of security and defense issues, including the role of the military in disaster relief management, counter-terrorism and U.S.-Indonesia military relations. The two sides concurred that the Jakarta Dialogue provided a key role in confidence-building measures, enhancing civil-military relations, strengthening regional peace and stability, and furthering bilateral military cooperation.

The Dialogue was established by the Presidents of the U.S. and Indonesia in Washington, D.C. in September 2001. President George Bush and President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono agreed in May of this year that normal military relations would be in the interest of both countries. The two leaders also praised the excellent humanitarian cooperation between the militaries of the two countries during the tsunami emergency relief operations in Aceh. President Yudhoyono reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthen military reform, civilian control and accountability.

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