"US Pressures Indonesia Not to Purchase Russian Fighter Jets"

Reversal of Decision to Purchase 11 SU-35s... "Risks Must Be Taken When Buying Fighter Jets"
Ultimately Abandoned Due to US Authorities' Pressure... Instead Demanding Domestic "F-16 Salla"

Appearance of Russian Su-35 fighter jet
[Image source=Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Jakarta Correspondent Sujin Choi] Indonesia has reportedly decided to cancel its deal for Russian fighter jets. This came as a result of pressure from the Donald Trump administration in the United States to cancel contracts for purchasing Russian-made combat jets and Chinese naval vessels. Local Indonesian media interpret this as the U.S. trying to prevent the purchase of Russian and Chinese weapons in order to secure military superiority in Southeast Asia.

According to local media reports on the 24th, Indonesia recently reversed its decision to purchase 11 Russian Sukhoi SU-35 fighter jets worth $1.1 billion. A purchasing official who requested anonymity revealed this but remained tight-lipped about the specific negotiation process. The official also stated that last month there was U.S. pressure to cease contacts with China regarding a $200 million deal for naval patrol boats.

In August 2017, Indonesia signed a barter trade agreement with Russia to purchase Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia in exchange for rubber, palm oil, coffee, tea, furniture, and spices. In 2018, a treaty containing these terms was signed with the Russian side. However, concerns about disruptions to this contract were reported last month, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense spokesperson is known to be avoiding media contact. This effectively means Indonesia has yielded to U.S. pressure to cancel the purchase.

Analysts view Indonesia’s abandonment of the Russian fighter jet purchase as a move considering its relationship with the United States. In particular, Indonesia was worried last month that its removal from the list of developing countries by the U.S. might reduce trade benefits. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) classifies countries as developed if their exports to the U.S. exceed 0.5% of total U.S. imports. Last year, Indonesia’s exports to the U.S. accounted for 0.8% of total U.S. imports.

Indonesia is reported to have protested the purchase sanctions after multiple meetings with U.S. authorities. However, the U.S. pressured the Jokowi administration, warning that under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), Indonesia would have to bear risks if it proceeded with the Russian fighter jet purchase. Instead, the U.S. reportedly requested Indonesia to purchase its domestically made F-16 Viper fighter jets.

Lyudmila Borovyeva, the Russian ambassador to Indonesia, pointed out that it is no secret that the U.S. pressures countries purchasing Russian defense weapons, stating, "The U.S. position is to have them abandon weapons purchases from Russia and turn towards Washington, D.C."

The Jokowi administration is also hesitant about the scale of the naval patrol boat deal with China. While there are concerns that blocking the deal with China would be a harsh measure, it is evaluated that Indonesia is taking a passive stance in negotiations with China due to U.S. considerations.

An official from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense said that although specific sanctions are not yet clear, it is true that the government is passive regarding the deal.