USAF Relations with the TNI–AU
The USAF’s relationship with the TNI–AU is developing positively, which helping the latter become a more dynamic service.54 Regular Airman-to-Airman Talks between the TNI–AU and US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) are fostering mutual understanding and ideas for greater cooperation. The TNI–AU has a
higher percentage of English speakers than Indonesia’s other services, which facilitating security cooperation with the United States.
PACAF and TNI–AU have been holding Cope West exercises since 1989, with recent iterations focusing on F-16 and C-130 tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). In September 2021, USAF B-52s, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force 15Js, and TNI–AU F-16s conducted joint exercises around Guam. TNI–AU personnel have flown on US Navy 27th Squadron P-8s over the Natuna Sea and South China Sea.
USAF training emphasizes air safety cooperation, including maintainers and
weapon systems. The USAF provides maintainer safety training, and the USAF’s
chief noncommissioned officer has visited TNI–AU squadrons to emphasize
maintenance. The United States also facilitated the visit of TNI–AU personnel to
Australia for flight safety training.
The USAF has subject-matter experts on safety and HADR available for Indonesia, with five C-130Js stationed in Guam as part of the 36th Contingency Response Group. The USAF is also partnering with the TNI–AU to develop MDA, such as providing products from the 613th Air Operations Center, Hickam AFB,
Hawai’i, to detect thunderstorms for the TNI–AU and TNI–AL. Additionally, the USAF is working with the TNI–AU to lead Indonesia’s development of cyberdefense. The USAF recognizes the significant potential for air defense cooperation with the TNI–AU.
Defense sales are a crucial aspect of the USAF–TNI–AU relationship, and the
recent sale of 36 Boeing F-15EXs is a testament to this fact. The USAF is working closely with the TNI–AU to enhance its internal processes for building requirements and streamlining procurement. Lockheed-Martin has been instrumental in sales of F-16Vs, C-130-Js, and upgrades to the TNI–AU’s 33 F-16s to Block 72 capability. However, some challenges have arisen, such as the lack of personnel to perform upgrades and the budgeting and delivery of software and
advanced missiles. To address these issues, the United States has been working to
provide the TNI–AU’s C-130s and other air mobility aircraft through the excess
defense articles program. Differences in financial and reporting systems between
the US and Indonesia have also posed challenges. While US foreign military sales
offer more flexibility in finance reporting, Indonesia operates on an annual finance
system—US foreign military sales are multiyear. To address this issue, the TNI–
AU is a member of the US System Improvement Program and Advanced System Improvement Program, which will help provide greater evidence that Indonesia is meeting US foreign military sales targets
