September 9, 2007: The
government finalized a billion dollar arms purchase from Russia. Easy payment
terms (fifteen years) were provided. The Russians are eager to please, as this
is expected to be but the first installment of a larger arms deal that could
add up to $12 billion or more. This massive sale would give Indonesia dozens of
Su-27/30 aircraft and ten Kilo class submarines, as well as armored vehicles,
helicopters, warships and a wide array of military equipment. Indonesia has no
enemies in the region, although there is some hostility towards Australia (for
being richer, more powerful and part of the "West"). The new weapons
don't really change the balance of power in the region. It will take years of
practice for the Indonesian pilots and sailors to master their new equipment.
And that assumes that the government would spend the large amounts of money
needed to pay for fuel and spare parts to keep the planes in the air, and the
ships at sea, for that training. Meanwhile, Australia already has more advanced
subs, and equally capable aircraft. Australia is getting more capable F-35
fighters. But, basically, Indonesian fighters and subs really don't have anyone
to fight, which is why it's likely politicians will find other things to do
with the money their pilots and sailors want for training.
September 6, 2007: A side
effect of the recent massive arms purchase from Russia, are a number of
non-military deals. One involves setting up a satellite launching operation in
Indonesian Papua. Launching some types of satellites from near the equator is
cheaper. Russia will use air launched satellites (a large solid fuel rocket is
shoved out the back of a large transport), and the operation will be based at
an air port in Papua. Preparations will take about three years.
September 2, 2007: In
Aceh, the ruling party tried to use mob violence and other illegal tactics to
prevent newly elected officials from an opposition party, from taking power in
the southeast. A riot at a swearing in ceremony left 26 injured and twelve
arrested. The new provincial government in Aceh is dominated by former
separatist rebels, but they are also tempted by traditional, and unsavory,
political practices.
