Indonesia yet to decide on Saudi-led military coalition

[Indos]

Indonesia yet to decide on Saudi-led military coalition

arguerite Afra Sapiie, thejakartapost.com, Jakarta | National | Wed, December 16 2015, 8:24 PM

Awaiting details – Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir speaks with the media. Arrmanatha said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia's government had not yet provided details on its new Saudi-led Islamic alliance and thus Indonesia still couldn’t decide whether to join the 34-nation military coalition formed to combat terrorism.(Kompas.com/Abba Gabrillin)
National News

The government has denied joining a new Saudi-led Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism, with a Foreign Ministry official saying it has yet to decide on the matter due to the unclear modalities of the coalition.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said on Wednesday that Indonesia was not among the 34 countries that had supported or signed-up to the military coalition, since the government had not yet seen the details of the coalition's scope of cooperation and terms of reference so could not decide its position.

"The government is still observing and waiting to see the modalities of the military coalition formed by Saudi Arabia," Arrmanatha told thejakartapost.com.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a 34-nation Islamic military coalition, comprised of countries from the Middle East, Africa and also Asia, to combat terrorism, and in particular, the radical militants controlling most of Syria and Iraq in particular.

A statement released by state-owned Saudi Press Agency stated that more than 10 countries, including Indonesia, had "expressed their support" for the alliance and "appropriate arrangements" would be developed for coordination between "friendly peace-loving nations" and international bodies to support international efforts to combat terrorism.

"In this context, Indonesia is not supporting the coalition, but instead supporting Saudi Arabia’s effort to combat terrorism and extremism," said Arrmanatha.

As Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had said, Arrmanatha added, the government would first ensure that Saudi Arabia's intention to form this coalition was in line with Indonesia's principles and law, as the decision to join would reflect Indonesia's serious commitment to international action.

"Indonesia cannot commit to any international cooperation if the scope, mechanism and approach are not in Indonesia's favor," Arrmanatha said.

According to Arrmanatha, Indonesia was sticking to its principle of only joining international military missions or committing military troops under the flag of the UN.

However, Arrmanatha asserted that just like any other country, Indonesia remained committed to combating terrorism and extremism, saying that each country had a different approach to fulfilling that commitment.

"We're highly committed to combatting terrorism and extremism, however, we should assess the modalities first before joining any military alliance," Arrmanatha said.

Separately, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan said that Indonesia would not yet join the military coalition as the country still wanted to use a soft-approach model of counter-terrorism.

According to Luhut, the government wants to combat terrorism by stopping radicalization as that is more effective than military action. (dan)

- See more at: Indonesia yet to decide on Saudi-led military coalition | The Jakarta Post

 

[Indos]

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What I can see is that, despite Joko Widodo party is secular power (PDI-P). but his statement means that Indonesia could somehow join the coalition if we can see the details of Islamic Military Alliance.

And after PAN party (Islamist) joins the coalition last year, and GOLKAR joins as well, so it makes the administration position is going to the right, since GOLKAR (the second biggest party) is known as more like a nationalist religious party with some of its core leader is an Islamic leader like Habibie who create ICMI (Islamic Intellectual Organisation) and hand in hand with Islamist Party after we gain democracy..

But I see now that Indonesia current administration wants to see peace solution between Saudi and Iran first. and also peaceful solution in Syria as the military alliance is more seen to do All Out war against Shiah coalition in Syria.


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Could Indonesia’s President Become the Middle East’s New Mediator?

Jan. 20, 2016

Roslan Rahman—AFP/Getty ImagesIndonesia's President Joko Widodo speaks at a joint press conference with his Singaporean counterpart after witnessing a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding agreement between both countries in Singapore on July 28, 2015


The leader of the world's biggest Muslim country is offering to ease relations between longtime rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran
http://time.com/4253569/hillary-clinton-supreme-court-nominee-debate/

Over the past week, Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has been busy not only staring down the terrorists who brought bloodshed to the streets the capital Jakarta, but also trying to save the world. Or at least that is the suggestion of a pair of photos in the pages of Indonesia’s Kompasdaily on Tuesday, showing Jokowi’s top envoy visiting the Middle East’s sparring rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

One image shows Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in a hijab — unusual for her — meetingwith Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Jan. 13 to deliver a letter from Jokowi. In the second picture, taken five days later, Retno, again opting to cover her short hair with a scarf, sat down with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in Riyadh, also to deliver a written message from the Indonesian leader.

“In the letter, President Jokowi emphasizes the importance of stability and peace in the region, the importance of a good relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as Indonesia’s willingness to help mend the ties between the two countries,” the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said in astatement Tuesday.

They may sound like diplomatic niceties, but in fact an attempt by Indonesia — home to the world’s largest Muslim population — to mediate the conflict “is a step that many people have been waiting for,” says Burhanuddin Muhtadi, political observer and executive director of Indikator Politik Indonesia. And the Indonesian leader has every incentive. “Jokowi also needs to boost his Islamic credentials, at home and internationally,” Burhanuddin says.

On Jan. 5, Muslim clerics from the influential Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) met with Jokowi to urge the government to help cool Middle Eastern tensions. “Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority country, has a strategic position to mediate the conflict,” MUI chairman Ma’ruf Amin told reporters. On the same day, Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Saifuddin, after meeting with the President, said the country planned to organize an international conference to bring the two sides together.

This would not be the first time Indonesia has attempted to broker peace talks in the Middle East. Last year, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) asked Indonesia to mediate a discussion on the Yemen conflict, seen as a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, during the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung. Foreign Minister Retno said she had talked with both the OIC and the E.U. to secure cooperation in dealing with the region’s latest flashpoint.

When Saudi-Iranian hostility hit new highs — following the execution of a dissident Saudi Shi‘ite cleric in early January, attacks on Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic missions by Iranian protesters, and the severed diplomatic ties between the two countries — countries like Russia and Pakistan offered help to mediate between Tehran and Riyadh. Earlier this week, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif even led a delegation to Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, Russia (and Iran) support the Assad regime in the Syrian conflict, while Pakistan is in an awkward position, caught between its close ally Saudi Arabia and geographical neighbor Iran.

In contrast, Indonesia has always been careful to maintain its neutrality. In mid-December, Saudi Arabia announced a 34-country “Islamic military alliance” to fight terrorism. It also mentioned Indonesia as one of the 10 additional “Islamic countries” that had expressed support for the coalition. But, Retno quickly rebutted the Saudi claim, saying Jakarta never gave any support.

Evan A. Laksmana, researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta, is skeptical about Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts. “Our investment in Mideast politics and diplomacy is not strong, continuous and coherent. Without these assets, what leverage can we use to push the Saudi-Iran talks?” he says. “Neutrality gets you in the door, leverage gets you results when you sit on the table.”

But the decades-old regional conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran has spilled beyond the Middle East and has even emerged in Indonesia. While Indonesia’s Muslims are largely Sunni, the country also has a small Shi‘ite population. However, the Syrian war — in which Iran backs the Assad regime (the ruling family belongs to the Shi‘ite Alawite sect) and Saudi Arabia’s austere Wahhabi brand of Sunni Islam inspires the jihadists — has intensified the sentiment against and persecution of the Indonesian Shi‘ites by the Sunni hard-liners.

This domestic problem could pose a challenge. “If you can’t get your own house in order, how can you be a messenger preaching how to best manage a house?” says Laksmana. “This is where the phrase ‘foreign policy begins at home’ comes from.”

Could Indonesia Mediate in the Saudi-Iranian Conflict?

 

[Indos]

under previous administration

Saudi Arabia, RI ink defense
cooperation agreement
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Headlines | Fri, January 24 2014, 8:51 AM

On target: Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Salman bin Sultan Abdul Aziz Al Saud aims an MP5 submachine gun at the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus) shooting range in Cijantung, East Jakarta, on Wednesday. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have cooperation agreements on counterterrorism, military training and the defense industry. (Courtesy of Kopassus)

Headlines News

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia on Thursday signed the first defense cooperation agreement (DCA) covering training and education, counter-terrorism efforts and the defense industry.

The DCA was signed by Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Sultan Abdul Aziz Al Saud and his host Lt. Gen. (ret.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Defense Ministry.

Sjafrie told reporters after the signing that the DCA was the first signed since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1950. It is also the first that Indonesia has signed with a Middle Eastern country.

“This is the first time a Saudi deputy defense minister has visited Indonesia,” he said.

He said both countries agreed that terrorism affected nations across the globe. The deputy defense ministers also agreed that terrorism should not be linked to any ideology, in particular to Islam.

“No religion in the world teaches violence,” Sjafrie said.

Recent terrorist incidents have painted a bad picture of Islam. Saudi Arabia is one of the countries damaged by terrorism threats, the Indonesian Defense Ministry said in a press release.

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have suffered from numerous attacks linked to certain Islamist groups.

Both countries agreed to cooperate in capacity building to increase professionalism by opening opportunities for joint exercises.

“We have agreed to fight terrorism by holding joint exercises [that involve] members of both countries’ special forces,” said Sjafrie.

When asked whether Indonesian commandoes will also learn desert military tactics, Sjafrie said it might not go that far.

Sjafrie presented Salman with an SS2-V1 assault rifle made by state-owned arms maker PT Pindad before the guest visited the headquarters of the Army’s Special Force s(Kopassus) in Cijantung, East Jakarta, and watched Kopassus operatives showcasing their skills.

Salman, who served at the Royal Saudi Air Defense, shot a submachine gun and a hand gun at the Kopassus shooting range.

Salman also observed a number of Anoa armored personnel carriers (APC) and a Komodo tactical vehicle produced by PT Pindad in Bandung.

Sjafrie said that Indonesia had offered a joint investment, focusing on the Anoa platform, which may suit Saudi needs in the defense industry.

“We, for example, would install an air-conditioning unit in the Anoa because it is very hot there, reaching as high as 48 Celsius.

“We have done this for Anoa APCs deployed in Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia will be a lot hotter.”

Before returning home via Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta, Salman observed two helicopters and two transportation airplanes, which are assembled and produced by state-owned PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI).

Sjafrie said that the Saudi side had requested detailed specifications of weapon systems made by Indonesia to be assessed and matched with the kingdom’s needs and geographical conditions.

“The assessment is at the observation phase. Today’s visit was an introduction to the Indonesian defense industry’s capability,” he said.

“We hope there will be follow up meetings in the future.”

In other sectors, Saudi Arabia will donate an Arabic language laboratory to the Indonesian Peace and Security Center in Sentul, West Java.

“The language lab will be used to train Indonesian soldiers who will be deployed in Lebanon as part of the UN peacekeeping mission.

“They will also build a mosque,” Sjafrie said.

- See more at: Saudi Arabia, RI ink defense cooperation agreement | The Jakarta Post

 

[MarveL]

ts mabok? :shutup: :linux2:

 

[Nusantara]

lol, old news from december 2015
we already opt out
News | Ini Alasan Indonesia Tak Gabung Aliansi Arab Saudi
Indonesia Tolak Bergabung di Koalisi Militer Saudi - Aktual.Com Terhangat Terpercaya

english
Indonesia opts out of Saudi-led military coalition - Newspaper - DAWN.COM

 

[Indos]

lol, old news from december 2015
we already opt out
News | Ini Alasan Indonesia Tak Gabung Aliansi Arab Saudi
Indonesia Tolak Bergabung di Koalisi Militer Saudi - Aktual.Com Terhangat Terpercaya

english
Indonesia opts out of Saudi-led military coalition - Newspaper - DAWN.COM

Lol, you put 15 December news which is older and Luhut also said at that news "we dont want YET" , It means we dont reject the idea blindly, something similar like the news I put in here.

Regardless of that, Joko Widodo party is secular (PDI-P), so understandable it wants to distance itself from Islamic coalition,

But without Joko Widodo, PDI-P will not win so much, as this party has become hated with its liberal economic policy under Megawati before, and also not pro state owned companies as has been proven when it gain the control under Megawati, and I wonder why PDI-P is against Rini Soemarno (State Owned Minister) who wants to enlarge and improve our state owned companies...? Wonder who is behind PDI-P...?

So, in essence there is still chance to join in the future.........

And Aktual.com is more like Journalist interpretation by putting some comment here and some comment there to make a good story and confirm the intended message...he,he. I was a journalist before, I know the tactic to make the story.

As Dawn said, we refrain of openly rejecting, it is actually the essence of this post since previously the news circulated on the media is that we "just reject it"

 

[Nike]

@Indos you want Indonesia to joint this coalition under Saudi lead? this the best jokes ever.

LoL, as a regional power and the best performing politically, culturally, economically and militarily among Muslim majority countries, it was Indonesia who should lead the rest including Saudi. Indonesia is undisputed leader among ASEAN countries, our voice is ASEAN voice, we are even competing against Australia for regional hegemony and yet you want Indonesia to joint this clown coalition?

 

[Indos]

@Indos you want Indonesia to joint this coalition under Saudi lead? this the best jokes ever.

LoL, as a regional power and the best performing politically, culturally, economically and militarily among Muslim majority countries, it was Indonesia who should lead the rest including Saudi. Indonesia is undisputed leader among ASEAN countries, our voice is ASEAN voice, we are even competing against Australia for regional hegemony and yet you want Indonesia to joint this clown coalition?

Hai Mado....

As the foreign minister said that "we want to see the details first"

Our Military is not big enough yet sis, so dont be so arrogant in this coalition........

USA become the leader in NATO because not only it has the biggest economy and military, but it also has a willingness to sacrifice just like what happened in WW 2, since US jump in WW 2 not because it is under attack by Germany.

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Talking about Alliance, we know for sure it is there to solve Syrian conflict, ISIS is just a pretext.

The coalition will help each side in Syria to solve the dispute peacefully, as military action ( just like this coalition effect that will create some kind of deterrent toward Bashar camp) is just something to back up the diplomatic process going on in UN.

As we see now the current situation make Bashar wants to crush the rebel, that in the long run will only create prolong war as the rebel will do guerilla warfare, thus make the region still become unstable , a perfect condition for ISIS and AQ to stay and develop...........

 

[Nike]

Hai Mado....

As the foreign minister said that "we want to see the details first"

Our Military is not big enough yet sis, so dont be so arrogant in this coalition........

USA become the leader in NATO because not only it has the biggest economy and military, but it also has a willingness to sacrifice just like what happened in WW 2, since US jump in WW 2 not because it is under attack by Germany.

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Talking about Alliance, we know for sure it is there to solve Syrian conflict, ISIS is just a pretext.

The coalition will help each side in Syria to solve the dispute peacefully, as military action ( just like this coalition effect that will create some kind of deterrent toward Bashar camp) is just something to back up the diplomatic process going on in UN.

As we see now the current situation make Bashar wants to crush the rebel, that in the long run will only create prolong war as the rebel will do guerilla warfare, thus make the region still become unstable , a perfect condition for ISIS and AQ to stay and develop...........

i am not arrogant, just being realistic. Saudi is nothing compared to us, they don't have huge human pools, money and industrial prowess to backing up their military forces. Hell i don't bought your idea at all

 

[Indos]

i am not arrogant, just being realistic. Saudi is nothing compared to us, they don't have huge human pools, money and industrial prowess to backing up their military forces. Hell i don't bought your idea at all

OK, Mado I hope you do well in your real life..........

We have different idea, of course, we are a democratic nation indeed.......