Home > South-East Asia >> Indonesia

Indonesia invited to shop for arms in London

TAPOL press release - September 12, 2005

The UK government's decision to invite Indonesia to an arms fair in London, despite ongoing concern about the country's human rights record, has been condemned by TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign.

The Indonesian military, TNI, is notorious for its abuse of human rights and for its use of imported military equipment against civilians in East Timor, Aceh and West Papua.

Despite the recent signing of a peace agreement in Aceh, armed troops will remain in the territory as a potential source of instability.

In West Papua, Indonesia's other conflict area, troop numbers are being increased substantially and ongoing military operations against defenseless villagers have claimed dozens of lives and made thousands homeless.

"It is outrageous that the government is seeking to increase UK business with the Indonesian military when it should be encouraging a process of demilitarisation in Aceh, West Papua and elsewhere," says Paul Barber a spokesperson for TAPOL.

"It is also irresponsible for the government to promote further arms sales as Indonesian taxpayers will be paying for previous deals until 2021 and allegations of bribery and corruption have not been adequately addressed," he added.

The TNI continues to exert a powerful role in Indonesian political affairs. It retains its internal security role and a territorial command structure throughout the country.

An announcement on the government's DESO website says that the decision to invite Indonesia and other countries was made on account of "current marketing campaigns and longer-term prospects for business".

The biennial Defence Systems and Equipment International fair opens in London's docklands tomorrow.
 

Click here for archive of statements and press releases