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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has announced Australia is providing a package of up to $2 million of medical personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, gowns, masks and thermometers to the Indonesian military (TNI).
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Minister Reynolds said Indonesia and Australia are longstanding partners and friends, sharing a strong bond and a deep history of cooperation, particularly in times of need.
“COVID-19 brings new challenges and uncertain times to both our countries. Like the Australian Defence Force in Australia, the TNI is playing a critical role in supporting Indonesia’s national response to COVID-19,” Minister Reynolds said.
The Royal Australian Air Force will support the delivery of the PPE to Halim Air Force Base in Jakarta. Defence is also working closely with the TNI to share knowledge and lessons learned from our national responses to COVID-19.
The support is part of the existing Defence Cooperation Program and funding. The Defence Cooperation Program has made a significant contribution to Australia’s international defence engagement since the 1960s – the program:
- Promotes the capacity of our international partners;
- Improves Australia’s capacity to work with partners in response to common security challenges; and
- Builds strong people-to-people links with regional security partners at the tactical, operational and strategic levels.
“Just as Indonesia helped us during the bushfire crisis earlier this year, we are pleased to be able to help our Indonesian friends during these uncertain times,” Minister Reynolds said.
The Defence Cooperation Program supports Australia’s strategic interests and its defence relationships with Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the south-west Pacific, south-east Asia, Pakistan and the Middle East.
The objective is to maximise Australia’s security through developing close and enduring links with partners that support their capacity to protect their sovereignty, work effectively with the Australian Defence Force and contribute to regional security.
