US to stage joint exercises with Indonesian special forces in bid to improve military ties
- The two sides said the United States was looking to normalise relations with Kopassus and hold a joint exercise next year
- US ties with Kopassus have been limited because of human rights abuses in the 1990s
Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan met his Indonesian counterpart on Thursday as the United States looks to improve ties with an Indonesian special forces unit that have been limited because of human rights abuses in the 1990s.
During a trip to Jakarta last year by Shanahan’s predecessor, James Mattis, Indonesia said it was hoping he could help ease US limitations on contacts.
The US announced in 2010 that it had lifted its outright ban on military contacts with the Indonesian special forces unit, known as Kopassus, which was accused of rights abuses in East Timor as it prepared for independence.
But legal restrictions meant to ensure the US military does not become entangled with rights abusers prevented contacts with Kopassus from advancing beyond preliminary levels, US officials say.
Indonesia and five other Southeast Asian nations began the “Our Eyes” intelligence pact last year aimed at combating Islamist militants and improving cooperation on security threats.