During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the southeast Asian country on Thursday, Russia is expected to close deals to sell around $1 billion-worth of tanks, submarines and helicopters to Indonesia, under a credit agreement.
Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto told RIA Novosti: "Indonesia and Russia should make further steps not only in arms purchases, but also where technology and joint production are concerned."
The military official said cooperation in arms production would help industries in both countries, allowing them to share advantages in labor and natural resources. Russian technology and expertise will allow Indonesian equipment to be used more effectively, he said.
Jakarta became a major arms customer of Russia eight years ago when the United States slapped an embargo on arms sales to the country over alleged human rights violations. Washington has since lifted the ban, but Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, continues to turn to Russia for its military hardware imports.
The Indonesian armed forces commander said Jakarta was now focusing on using national industry to meet the demands of the military. The country wants to develop ties with Russia in training specialists, not only in technical fields, he said.
Suyanto said he hoped that that Putin's visit to Indonesia, a one-day stop-off before the Russian leader attends the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Sydney, would boost the two countries' relations in all areas, including defense-oriented industries.
"Starting from the 1950s, we received substantial support from Russia; at that time, the Indonesian government greatly needed this help", he said.
Suyanto said that unlike during the rule of President Sukarno (1945-1967), when defense dominated Indonesian-Soviet cooperation, there are now numerous areas for potential ties with Moscow.
Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi signed a contract with Indonesia to deliver six multi-role Su-27s and Su-30s fighters worth $350 million at the MAKS-2007 air show near Moscow in late August.
During Putin's upcoming visit, Russian independent oil giant LUKoil and Indonesia's state-owned Pertamina are expected to sign a deal to cooperate in oil and gas prospecting.
