The Delegations of the United States of America and the Republic of Indonesia, headed respectively by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs Richard Lawless and Director-General for Defense Strategy Maj-Gen Sudrajat (Ret), held the second Indonesia-United States Security Dialogue (The Dialogue) in Washington, D.C., 22-23 April 2004. This Dialogue was established by President George W. Bush and President Megawati Soekarnoputri during their meeting in Washington, D.C. on September 19, 2001. Both Presidents, in their meeting in Bali on 22 October 2003, welcomed the successful convening of the first Dialogue in Jakarta, Indonesia, in April 2002 and they consented that the second Dialogue would be held in Washington, D.C. early this year.

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 and global security situation, national security issues, military command, counter-terrorism and human rights.

On behalf of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz participated in the Dialogue. He noted the significance of establishing regular contact to address defense and security issues which would lead to greater understanding, provide policy input for respective governments, and maintain and enhance the close relationship between the two countries. Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Soemadi Brotodiningrat welcomed the convening of the second Dialogue as stipulated in the Joint Statement of the two Presidents. Both delegations noted the importance of continuing these talks as a regular forum for discussing a broad range of security issues important to both countries. Both sides agreed that the Dialogue is a key confidence-building measure in enhancing civil-military relations and in paving ways to strengthen regional peace and stability.

The delegations reviewed the current international and Asia-Pacific security situation. They stressed the need to continue the fight against terrorism and other trans-national threats. They underscored the importance of regional cooperation and dialogue. Both delegations, among other issues, discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the latest developments in the Arab-Israeli conflict and the development of democracy in Iraq.

The delegations made presentations on certain aspects of national security strategy. The U.S. presentation addressed future changes in U.S. Global Defense Posture. The Indonesian presentation summarized Indonesia national security issues and regional counter-terrorism issues.

The U.S. delegation briefed on the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). The U.S. also discussed Policy on Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights.

The US delegation commended the ongoing efforts of the Indonesian Government, especially the TNI, to promote military reforms. The US praised the TNI’s stated commitment to neutrality and professionalism during this year’s national elections in Indonesia.

The Indonesian delegation presented a briefing on Indonesian Defense Policy and the Military’s Territorial Command System. Indonesia also summarized the status of ongoing Combined Operations in Aceh.

The Indonesia delegation sought clarification regarding U.S. policy toward the Straits of Malacca. The US delegation gave assurance that it respects Indonesia’s sovereignty over its water and clarified its concept of Regional Maritime Security Initiative (RMSI). The US delegation further agreed to continue to consult with Indonesia and other regional countries.

Both delegations discussed their respective counter-terrorism efforts and agreed on the need to promote and protect human rights. Both delegations agree that the application of counter-terrorism policy differs in different countries.

Both delegations agreed to reconvene the Bilateral Defense Dialogue (BDD) between the US pacific Command (USPACOM), the Indonesian Military (TNI) and other relevant officials. The group would meet in Indonesia before the end of 2004 and would report the results of its deliberations to the third Indonesia – United States Security Dialogue, which will be held in Indonesia.

Both delegations agreed to promote greater exchanges and consultations in order to enhance confidence and trust between the two Governments on security issues.

Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to a “new era of bilateral relations” as enunciated by President George W. Bush and President Megawati Soekarnoputri in Washington, D.C. on September 19, 2001 and continue to promote relations based on mutual respect and equality.

In closing, both delegations made clear that they value the Dialogue as an important pillar in relations between Indonesia and United States. Both sides appreciated the open and constructive spirit shown by the participants throughout the Dialogue. The delegations agreed to hold a third Dialogue in 2005 and agreed that additional contacts between their civilian Ministers and their representatives should continue.

Washington, D.C., 23 April 2004