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Indonesia tells

neighbours not

to fear military

JAKARTA: President Suharto said on Tuesday that Indonesia would boost its military strength gradually but neighbouring countries need have no fear.

"We prefer to prevent war by building up peace, mutual understanding and cooperation," he said in a speech marking the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Indonesian Air Force.

"We invite officers from other countries to take part in joint exercises. In that way, the development of national resilience in each country is understood in a normal way and without a need for concern in neigbouring countries," he said.

"In that framework, based on our capability, we will step by step build our security and defence strength in the army, navy and air force," Suharto said.

Last December Indonesia signed a security agreement with Australia, aimed at ending decades of bilateral unease between the large but diverse neighbours whose troops clashed in the jungles of Borneo in the early 1960s.

Indonesia is also linked to its northern neighbours Malaysia and Singapore through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but has a lingering squabble with the former over ownership of two tiny islands off Borneo.

Suharto, who is armed forces supreme commander, said the armed forces, in general, and the air force in particular, would safeguard Indonesian development.

"Therefore, we need a strong armed forces with the support of the people, which is able to counter any threat and overcome challenges, hurdles and disturbances coming from anywhere," Suharto said.

He also renewed a call to strengthen unity between the people and the armed forces, accused by international human rights groups of abusing its power, particularly in the country's trouble spots of East Timor and Irian Jaya.

"The unity of the armed forces and the people remains important to development now and in future," Suharto said.

The anniversary celebrations were marked by an aerial display of 162 aircraft, including six F-16 fighter jets made by Lockheed Martin Corp of the United States, transport planes, and helicopters.

The air force currently has more than 80 combat aircraft.

Indonesia bought 24 British-made Hawk jet fighters in 1993, the first batch of which is expected to arrive this year.

Planning Minister Ginanjar Kartasasmita said on Tuesday Indonesia was still negotiating the purchase of at least nine more F-16s.

"We are currently negotiating the financing of at least nine new F-16s with the United States," Ginanjar told Reuters.-Reuter