Indonesia to get US military aid

American Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld wants to re establish military ties with Indonesia. After 30 years of dictatorship, Indonesia is emerging as a new democracy. According to Rumsfeld ties would have to be built “almost from scratch.”

The US sees Indonesia as potentially a great allie in the ‘War on Terror’. It also know that Indonesia has partial control over the Straits of Malacca, through which pass one third of the worlds trade, including 80% of Japan’s oil. If something were to happen that rendered the Straits unsafe, it would have a huge effect on World economics.

White House staff believe Indonesia could turn out to be a model Islamic nation (whatever that is). Having SBY as a former general with connections in the military helps ease concerns about the miss use of military aid.