The Viscount of Oxfuirdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy on the export of defence equipment to Indonesia.
§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey:We attach importance to our political and economic relationship with Indonesia. It plays a significant and responsible role both in the region and more broadly as a prominent member of various international groupings and a major contributor to peacekeeping forces. Our bilateral relations with Indonesia continue to develop strongly.
All applications to export UK defence equipment to Indonesia, and to other destinations, are carefully scrutinised on a case by case basis against established criteria and internationally agreed guidelines. Human rights are a key factor and we take into consideration inter alia the political situation and prospects in Indonesia. We do not license for export, to Indonesia or to any other country, any UK defence equipment likely to be used for internal repression. We apply this criterion rigorously, but remain confident that it leaves open the possibility of substantial co-operation with Indonesia in the procurement of defence equipment.