Pentagon seeks stronger defence ties with Indonesia

By Kristin Roberts

JAKARTA (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates promised on Monday to help Indonesia improve its defence capabilities and equipment as the Pentagon tries to strengthen ties with a country it views as a regional leader and secular model for Muslim states.

Gates, after meetings with Indonesia's president and defence minister, said Washington was prepared to offer support and training for ongoing military reforms in Indonesia and help the Asian state update its fleet of military transport aircraft.

Indonesian Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono said they also discussed the purchase of F-16 fighter jets and that Indonesia planned to order six new fighters and refurbish four others.

"There is a positive response from the Pentagon" on Indonesia's request to purchase F-16s, Sudarsono told reporters after the meetings.

Gates' focus on support for Indonesia's defence and national security reforms reflects the Pentagon's desire to broaden the relationship and move beyond Washington's prior focus on Indonesia as a potential terrorist flashpoint after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

It also comes as Russia and China try to forge closer military ties with Indonesia, whose strategic location along critical maritime routes gives it a significant role in maritime security, trade and counter-smuggling activities.

"Indonesia is a huge Islamic country, democratic, secular, and I think strengthening our relationship with Indonesia is very important, not just in a regional context but I think in terms of the role that Indonesia may be able to play more broadly," Gates said.

"Indonesia is a regional power with global reach, and we think that's a good thing," he said.