The Delegations of the Republic of Indonesia and the United States of America, headed respectively by Director-General for Defense Strategy Maj-Gen Sudrajat, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs Peter T.R. Brookes, held the first Indonesia-United States Security Dialogue (The Dialogue) in Jakarta, 24-25 April 2002. This Dialogue was called for by President George W. Bush and President Megawati Soekarnoputri during their meeting in Washington DC on September 19, 2001.

The Dialogue provides a venue for government officials to exchange views on a wide-range of security and defense issues. The Dialogue included presentations on the regional security situation; national security policy; piracy; military reforms; regional counter-terrorism policy; and the budget process.

The official host in Jakarta, Minister for Defense and Security Abdul Djalil Matori, opened The Dialogue. He noted the significance of establishing regular contact to address defense and security issues which would lead to greater understanding and provide policy input for respective governments. United States’ Ambassador Ralph Boyce welcomed the convening of the Dialogue in the spirit of implementing the joint statement of the two Presidents. Both delegations noted the importance of continuing these talks as a regular forum for discussion of a broad range of security issues important to both countries. Both sides agreed that the Dialogue is a key confidence building measure to strengthen regional peace and stability. The co-chairs of The Dialogue signed the Terms of Reference under which these and subsequent talks would be held.

The US delegation head read a letter from Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz thanking Minister Abdul Djalil Matori for hosting The Dialogue, noting the importance of this discussion, and pledging to continue to look for ways in which the United States could assist Indonesia as it works to strengthen democracy and implement reforms.

The delegations reviewed the current regional security situation. They concurred that the September 11 attacks have reinforced the need to focus on joint efforts to fight international terrorism and other trans-national threats. They also share the view that there remain long-standing regional conflicts that need to be peacefully managed and resolved. They underscored the importance of regional cooperation and dialogue.

The delegations made presentations on how each country develops national security strategy. The Indonesian presentation outlined the six security “trouble spots” in the country and its approaches for addressing these problems. The US presentation summarized the results of the Quadrennial Defense Review and its implications for Asia.

The Indonesian delegation presented its on-going efforts to combat piracy. During the discussions, both delegations agreed to explore future bilateral and regional cooperation to fight this trans-national crime problem. The Indonesian delegation also gave a presentation on the progress and goals of ongoing reform of the Armed Forces of Indonesia (TNI), including protection of human rights. Both delegations agreed that this reform process should win greater international understanding and support.

The US delegation gave presentations on its counterterrorism strategy and the US Department of Defense’s programming and budgeting processes. The US delegation made it clear that counter-terrorism efforts are global, long-term and multi-dimensional. Both delegations agreed that counter-terrorism efforts vary depending on the situation in each country. The budget presentation described how the US creates strategy-based, policy-driven, transparent, and civilian-reviewed defense budgets. The Indonesian side showed a keen interest in the principles behind the US defense budgeting process.

In closing, both delegations made it clear that they value the Dialogue as an important pillar in relations between Indonesia and the United States. Both sides appreciated the open and constructive spirit shown by the participants throughout the dialogue. The delegations agreed to hold the second round of official talks in the first half of 2003, but agreed that additional contacts between their civilian Ministers and their representatives should continue. In this light, they are encouraged that Minister Matori has agreed to accept the invitation of the US Deputy Secretary of Defense to visit Washington DC in the near future.