The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 20, 2011

Fact Sheet: ASEAN-United States Leaders Meeting

On November 18, 2011, President Obama met with the leaders of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations to review our cooperation on building greater economic, security, and people-to-people ties with an important region and a key Asian multilateral organization. With a  population of approximately 580 million and a combined GDP of $1.5 trillion, ASEAN is the United States’ fourth largest export market, includes two treaty allies, one of our closest security partners, and several emerging regional powers, and sits astride some of the world’s most important trading routes and sea lines of communication.

Leaders adopted the Five-year ASEAN-United States Plan of Action, a roadmap for expanding our strategic cooperation. The Plan of Action includes collaborative projects in three main areas—political and security, economic and trade, and socio-cultural cooperation. 

Going forward, the United States will work with ASEAN through the US-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Work Plan to build on existing work on trade facilitation and ongoing dialogues on trade and environment and trade finance by introducing new initiatives on digital connectivity and trade and investment in healthcare services, agribusiness, and consumer goods. 

The United States and Brunei announced the United States Partnership with ASEAN on English Language Education. This ambitious, five-year, $25 million initiative, supported by the governments of Brunei and Singapore with the East-West Center in Hawaii as an implementing coordinator, reflects a commitment to help unify the diverse members of ASEAN, improve English language capacity, and advance educational and teaching opportunities in the region.

The United States is supporting the launch of the ASEAN youth volunteers program and sponsorship a visit by the Volunteers and the ASEAN Commission on Women and Children the U.S. next April to connect with U.S. civil society groups on best practices.

The United States, under President Obama’s global Feed the Future initiative and through the ASEAN Secretariat, will support a program to promote the role of the private sector and public-private dialogue on food security policies and solutions.

The United States announced plans to launch an initiative enabling US Trade and Development Agency to bring the best of U.S. business to ASEAN in a first, major commercial outreach to discuss upcoming connectivity infrastructure projects and the role for U.S. business.

The United States proposed the creation a Southeast Asia Maritime Partnership (SAMP), which will provide a multi-agency approach to cooperation and capacity building on maritime awareness, management and security.

The United States and ASEAN will work together to launch the “ASEAN Single Window” pilot program, a trade facilitation project to expedite cargo clearance. When fully operational, this will be the world’s first regional integrated cargo-clearance system.

ASEAN leaders, supported by the United States as an Asian Development Bank (ADB) member, will create an ASEAN Infrastructure Fund. ASEAN governments, supported by ADB members, will contribute to the fund to help underwrite infrastructure projects in the region. The initial fund of $600 million will support infrastructure projects aimed at creating an integrated ASEAN community, and will provide expanded opportunities for U.S. businesses to participate in ASEAN infrastructure projects in the energy, transportations, and information and communications technology sectors.

President Obama announced the three U.S. members of the U.S.-ASEAN Eminent Persons Group: Stapleton Roy, Charlene Barshefsky, and Muhtar Kent, fulfilling a commitment he made with ASEAN leaders in 2009.  The group will deliver recommendations to the Leaders ahead of the next ASEAN-US Leaders Meeting.

Leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations to enable the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France and China to accede to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) protocol, and agreed to take the necessary steps to enable the signing of the protocol and its entry into force by these states at the earliest opportunity.

The ten ASEAN Leaders are Sultan Hassanal of Brunei, President Thein Sein of Burma (Myanmar), Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, President Yudhoyono of Indonesia, Prime Minister Thongsing of Laos, Prime Minister Najib of Malaysia, President Aquino of the Philippines, Prime Minister Lee of Singapore, Prime Minister Yingluck of Thailand, and Prime Minister Dung of Vietnam, as well as ASEAN Secretary General Surin.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2011

Fact Sheet: East Asia Summit

At the East Asia Summit (EAS) held on November 19 in Bali, Indonesia, President Obama and other Asia-Pacific leaders discussed the importance of cooperation on the region’s most pressing political and security challenges, including maritime security, non-proliferation, and disaster response. 

President Obama’s participation in the EAS was the first by a U.S. president and underscored the Administration’s commitment to deepening engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and playing a leadership role in its emerging institutions.  The President has made clear that full and active U.S. engagement in the region’s multilateral architecture helps to reinforce the system of rules, responsibilities, and norms that underlies regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The EAS was launched in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together leaders of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and six other Asian countries.  With the participation of the United States and Russia for the first time in 2011, the EAS now includes all the major powers of the Asia-Pacific region, including U.S. treaty allies Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines, as well as emerging regional powers India and China. 

The Summit’s traditional agenda has covered a wide range of regional concerns, including education, energy and the environment, finance, avian influenza, and disaster response.  While offering support for the existing EAS agenda – especially disaster response – President Obama called for a broadening of the leaders’ discussions to address strategic and security challenges.  The President underscored the shared interest of EAS member states in reaffirming international rules and norms in these areas; enhancing partner capacity to address existing and emerging challenges; and promoting regional cooperation.  Specifically:

1.   Maritime Security

The Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the world’s busiest ports and most critical lines of commerce and communication.  Recent decades of broad regional economic success have been underpinned by a shared commitment to freedom of navigation and international law.  At the same time, the region faces a host of maritime challenges, including territorial and maritime disputes, ongoing naval military modernization, trafficking of illicit materials, piracy, and natural disasters.

During the EAS leaders discussions, President Obama enunciated the principles-based U.S. approach to maritime security, including freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the seas, as well as use of collaborative diplomatic processes to address disputes.  The President expressed strong opposition to the threat or use of force by any party to advance its territorial or maritime claims or interfere in legitimate economic activity.  Reiterating his support for the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea as a responsible approach to disputed areas, he encouraged all parties to accelerate efforts to reach a full Code of Conduct.
 
The President also welcomed engagement by all EAS members in regional institutions devoted to maritime cooperation, including the ASEAN Maritime Forum, which provides a platform to advance common understanding of international laws, including UNCLOS, as well as cooperative efforts on maritime issues.  He called on the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus, and other groupings of EAS members to support maritime capacity-building measures, particularly in the search-and-rescue and disaster-response areas.

The United States is working with its partners in the Asia-Pacific region to build capacity and promote cooperation on maritime security issues, including by:

  • Providing training, assistance, and equipment to regional maritime police and civil authorities to enhance their capabilities to secure the maritime space and address transnational security challenges such as piracy, illicit trafficking, and illegal fishing;
  • Building facilities and providing equipment and technical support to enhance the ability of Southeast Asian nations to monitor the maritime domain and assess and share information;
  • Hosting regional workshops to promote adherence to standard operating procedures and protocols that ensure safety at sea, help build a shared vision of international norms and behaviors in the maritime domain, and foster discussion of interpretations of customary international law; and
  • Hosting and co-hosting multinational capacity-building exercises with regional military partners.

2.   Non-Proliferation

The spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, material, their means of delivery, and expertise poses a grave risk to the international community.  The Asia-Pacific region faces acute proliferation challenges requiring concerted international effort.  The EAS is an important venue to advance President Obama’s vision of a world without nuclear weapons, as outlined in his April 2009 Prague speech, and to promote regional cooperation and capacity building to counter proliferation threats.

In support of these objectives, President Obama and other EAS leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of a 40-year long negotiation between ASEAN and the Nuclear Weapons States to enable the latter’s accession to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) protocol.  All sides have agreed to take the necessary steps to enable the signing of the protocol and its entry into force at the earliest opportunity.
 
President Obama also called on EAS leaders to:

  • Reaffirm their full commitment to the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in order to maintain peace and stability in the region;
  • Work together to ensure full compliance and implementation of relevant United Nations non-proliferation commitments and to pursue cooperation through other multilateral mechanisms;
  • Reaffirm their support for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Action Plan adopted at the May 2010 Review Conference and for the Nuclear Security Summit to be held in Seoul in March 2012, and agreed to work together toward a successful Biological Weapons Convention Review Conference in December 2011;
  • Endorse efforts undertaken in other regional institutions, including the ARF, to strengthen the capacities of all EAS members to address the challenge of proliferation in the Asia-Pacific region;
  • Reaffirm their commitment to develop a culture of transparency throughout the Asia-Pacific region with regard to the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, to increase cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and to ensure the IAEA has the resources and authority it needs to carry out its role; and
  • Commit to sign and bring into force Additional Protocols to Safeguard Agreements with the IAEA with an aim to have the Additional Protocol in place throughout the Asia-Pacific region as soon as possible.

3.   Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance

The Asia-Pacific region is prone to large natural disasters that have an impact beyond any single country’s ability to respond effectively.  EAS member countries experienced eight of the world’s 10 deadliest disasters in 2009 and five of 10 in 2010.  The United States has a strong record of working with EAS member countries in disaster preparedness and institutional strengthening, and of bringing a unique set of capabilities, skills, and expertise in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

In order to enhance the region’s disaster response capabilities and cooperation, President Obama:

  • Pledged further efforts to advance humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region, including through a  proposal to further develop a Rapid Disaster Response Agreement to create a legal and procedural framework for accelerating deployment and acceptance of assistance personnel, supplies, and services in the event of future disasters;
  • Called for regular disaster relief exercises as a means to improve preparation and interoperability, noting Indonesia and Japan’s successful co-hosting of the ASEAN Regional Forum’s Disaster Relief Execise (DiREx) in March 2011 and commending the Republic of Korea for its decision to host the next DiREx;
  • Endorsed an Indonesian-Australian paper on enhancing regional cooperation on disaster relief, including enhanced information-sharing, capacity-building, and interoperability; and
  • Encouraged efforts to build resilience and preparedness at the community level, including developing mechanisms to coordinate public and private sector efforts, such as the recently launched Pacific Rim Coordination Center, a virtual platform that facilitates disaster information-sharing and strengthens public-private partnerships in order to enhance the region’s disaster risk reduction and response activities.

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2011

Background on First Lady & Dr. Biden's Sunday Visit to NASCAR Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway: Companies Making Commitments to Hire 10,000 Veterans & Military Spouses

Companies will Commit a Portion of Jobs to Miami Area Veterans and Military Families

Tomorrow First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden visit Homestead-Miami Speedway for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup finale to honor America’s troops and military families and highlight new commitments by American companies to hire and train veterans and military spouses. In support of Joining Forces, representatives from companies committing to hiring 10,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013 will volunteer at a special barbeque lunch for military families in Homestead-Miami Speedway’s Nationwide Garage. This employment commitment includes a first-of-its-kind dedicated local employment effort in South Florida led by the Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s economic development leader, to hire veterans and military spouses.

The following companies will commit a portion of their jobs to veterans and military spouses in the Miami area:

  • The Beacon Council and their 274 companies will strive to hire 4,000 veterans by the end of 2013;
  • G4S Secure Solutions (USA) whose workforce is 21% veterans already will hire 3,000 veterans by 2013;
  • Ryder System, Inc. whose workforce is 10% veterans already expects to hire more than 550 veterans in 2011 and 1,000 additional veterans by the end of 2013; and
  • BAE Systems, Inc. which already employs more than 3,000 veterans is committed to employing wounded warriors and veterans through their Warrior Integration services.

Representatives from the following companies will also be on hand at the barbeque: The Beacon Council, G4S Secure Solutions (USA), Ryder System, Inc., Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Google, The National Military Family Association, The Boeing Company, Raytheon, Inventis Group Ltd. and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on Ukrainian Holodomor Remembrance Day

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence -- a testament to the spirit and determination of the people of Ukraine -- we also remember the suffering they endured seventy-eight years ago during the catastrophic famine that has come to be known as the Holodomor – the “death by hunger.”  This terrible tragedy, created by the intentional seizure of crops and farms across Ukraine by Joseph Stalin, was one of communism’s greatest atrocities.  Today, Americans join with the people of Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world in remembering those who suffered and died senselessly as a result of this manmade famine.

In the wake of this brutal and deliberate attempt to break the will of the people of Ukraine, Ukrainians showed great courage and resilience.  The establishment of a proud and independent Ukraine twenty years ago shows the remarkable depth of the Ukrainian people’s love of freedom and independence. 

The United States values the friendship between our peoples and offers our deepest condolences on this solemn occasion.  As we remember this tragedy, we recommit ourselves and reaffirm our shared determination to prevent similar tragic acts from ever happening again.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2011

WEEKLY ADDRESS: Creating an Economy Built to Last

WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama spoke from Indonesia and told the American people that during his trip to the Asia Pacific, he has made progress opening up markets to support thousands of American jobs and keep us on track to double American exports by 2014.  The President’s trip underscores his belief that our businesses will always be successful competing around the world and that he will continue to do everything possible to create jobs for the American people.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Bali, Indonesia
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Today, I’m speaking to you from Indonesia as I finish up my trip to the Asia Pacific – the region where we do most of our trade and sell most of our exports.  And over the past week, the progress we’ve made in opening markets and boosting exports here will help create more jobs and more growth in the United States. 

Here in Indonesia, I was proud to join leaders from some of our nation’s top companies as they announced trade deals that will support nearly 130,000 American jobs and potentially increase U.S. exports by up to $39 billion.  Boeing, for example, will sell more than 200 planes to Indonesia that are built with parts from suppliers in more than 40 states.  And a deal to export GE engines will support jobs at plants in Ohio and North Carolina. 

These agreements will help us reach my goal of doubling American exports by 2014 – a goal we’re on pace to meet.  And they’re powerful examples of how we can rebuild an economy that’s focused on what our country has always done best – making and selling products all over the world that are stamped with three proud words:  “Made In America.” 

This is important, because over the last decade, we became a country that relied too much on what we bought and consumed.  We racked up a lot of debt, but we didn’t create many jobs at all.

If we want an economy that’s built to last and built to compete, we have to change that.  We have to restore America’s manufacturing might, which is what helped us build the largest middle-class in history.  That’s why we chose to pull the auto industry back from the brink, saving hundreds of thousands of jobs in the process.  And that’s why we’re investing in the next generation of high-tech, American manufacturing. 

But building an economy that lasts isn’t just about making things – it’s about opening new markets for people to buy them.  After all, 95% of the world’s consumers live outside our borders.  And as the fastest-growing region in the world, no market is more important to our economic future than the Asia Pacific – a region where our exports already support five million American jobs.

This is why we recently signed a landmark trade agreement with South Korea that will support tens of thousands of American jobs.  And it’s why I traveled here this week.  In Hawaii, I hosted leaders from across the Asia Pacific, and we agreed to make it easier for American companies to do business overseas.  I also worked with President Medvedev of Russia to pursue trade that would increase exports and jobs for American manufacturers and farmers.  And working with other leaders, we made progress toward our most ambitious trade agreement yet – a partnership with Pacific nations that holds the potential for more exports and more jobs in a region of nearly three billion consumers. 

We may be going through tough times, but as I’ve said time and time again, the United States still has the world’s most dynamic economy, the finest universities, the most innovative companies, and the hardest-working people on Earth.  We can compete against anybody – and we can win.  As President, I intend to make sure that happens by doing everything I can to give American workers and businesses the chance to succeed.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on Today’s United Nations General Assembly Resolution Condemning the Assassination Plot against the Saudi Ambassador

The United States welcomes today’s strong vote by the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution deploring the assassination plot against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States. The widespread support for this resolution, which was co-sponsored by UN members from all regions of the world, sends a strong message to the Iranian government that the international community will not tolerate the targeting of diplomats. We will continue to work closely with our allies and partners around the world to ensure that Iran understands that such outrageous acts only deepen Iran’s isolation.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2011

Fact Sheet: Expansion of the Peace Corps Indonesia Program

The Peace Corps supports the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership by expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural activities, and educational partnerships. 

Since returning to Indonesia in January 2010, Peace Corps Indonesia has rapidly grown into a program of 43 Volunteers teaching English at schools and madrasahs throughout East Java.  Volunteers co-teach 10th and 11th grade classes with Indonesian counterparts, facilitate student activities and clubs, and contribute to teacher clubs and workshops.  Throughout their two years of service, Volunteers live with Indonesian host families, furthering their integration into the community and supporting the goal of greater inter-cultural dialogue.

The Peace Corps, together with the Indonesian government, is planning to expand both the number of Volunteers in Indonesia as well as the provinces in which they serve.  By June 2012 the number of English Education Volunteers will increase to 70, with plans to place Volunteers in East Java and beyond starting in 2013.  Potential provinces include South Sulawesi, West Java, and Banten.  The Peace Corps and the Indonesian government are also working together to develop a second program sector in an area such as in community health, environment, or youth and community development.

Peace Corps Indonesia Background
Peace Corps initiated its first program in Indonesia in 1963 and initially sent a total of 46 Volunteers to work in sports coaching and physical education.  The program closed in 1965 with the mutual consent of the two governments against the backdrop of political unrest and concern for the safety and security of the Volunteers.

In October 2006, the Indonesian government invited Peace Corps to send an assessment team to consider the feasibility of re-establishing a Peace Corps program.  A comprehensive assessment was completed in February 2007, followed by an updated safety and security assessment.  Peace Corps completed negotiations with the Indonesian government in November 2009 and a formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed on December 11, 2009.  The Peace Corps negotiated and signed Implementing Arrangements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Education and Culture on June 15, 2011.

An inter-agency Steering Committee, which includes the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the State Secretariat and others, works closely with Peace Corps on administration of the program.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2011

Fact Sheet United States-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership

In November 2011, Presidents Obama and Yudhoyono reaffirmed their support for the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership, a long term commitment to elevate bilateral relations by intensifying consultations and developing habits of cooperation on key bilateral, regional, and global issues.  First proposed by President Yudhoyono in November 2008, the two presidents officially launched the Comprehensive Partnership in November 2010 during President Obama’s historic visit to Jakarta.

Cooperation under the Comprehensive Partnership is outlined in a Plan of Action consisting of three pillars: political and security; economic and development; and socio-cultural, education, science, and technology cooperation. Six working groups have been tasked with coordinating strategies and highlighting policy initiatives and priorities under the Plan of Action.  These groups focus on energy, security, trade and investment, democracy and civil society, education, and climate and environment.

The U.S. Secretary of State and the Indonesian Foreign Minister co-chair a Joint Commission to ensure continued momentum to sustain the Partnership.  Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Natalegawa held the inaugural session in Washington, D.C. in September 2010; the second session was convened in Bali on July 24, 2011.  The next meeting will be held in 2012.

Senior-level dialogue is a key element of the Partnership, including a strategic dialogue Launched by Deputy Secretary Burns, in his previous capacity as Under Secretary, and Director General Marsudi in July 2010. Since the launch of the Comprehensive Partnership the United States and Indonesia have established high-level dialogues on commercial ties, energy policy, health, and trade and investment.  Additional high-level dialogues will be added as the two countries further develop the Comprehensive Partnership.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2011

Fact Sheet: U.S.-Indonesia Education Partnership

Close cooperation in education is a fundamental element of the Comprehensive Partnership.  In June 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced a Higher Education Partnership in which the United States and Indonesia will commit to help build capacity to provide world-class university educations and to help double the number of American and Indonesian students who study in each other’s country.  A key element of the strategic approach is a whole of government effort to facilitate self-sustaining partnerships among U.S. and Indonesian institutions, foundations, corporations, universities, and individuals.  Recognizing that science and technology are engines of future growth and prosperity, special emphasis is being given to bilateral cooperation in these areas.

Higher Education

The United States will commit more than $165 million over five years to support the Higher Education Partnership.  To help jointly achieve the shared goals in higher education:

• The Department of State is expanding support for the binational Fulbright Program, making it one of the largest in the world.  The Fulbright Indonesia Research, Science and Technology program (FIRST), a five-year, $15 million initiative provides scholarships for Indonesians to study and conduct research in the United States in priority science and technology fields and for Americans to study, teach and conduct research in Indonesia in similar areas.  The Department of State’s Community College Initiative provides $2.5 million per year for scholarships for approximately 50 Indonesian students per year to study in the in one-year certificate programs and to bring approximately 18 faculty and educational administrators for professional development at U.S. community colleges.

• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is creating partnerships, developing capacity, and expanding education opportunities.  The creation of University Partnerships between U.S. and Indonesian institutions improves research and lecturing, while also promoting faculty and student exchanges.  The Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy (HELM) Program supports Indonesian universities by building their capacity in organizational management, budget and financing, quality assurance and local outreach.  The scholarship program PRESTASI sends Indonesian professionals to degree programs and training in Indonesia, the United States or third countries.  The Development Credit Authority guarantees student loans for Indonesian students to attend universities in the United States and Indonesia.

• U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted Minister of Education and Culture Mohammad Nuh and more than 100 higher education leaders from both counties on October 31, 2011 in Washington, D.C. for the first U.S.-Indonesia Higher Education Summit.

• Our two governments will celebrate 2012 as the Year of Fulbright 60/20 celebrating the 60th anniversary of Fulbright in Indonesia and the 20th anniversary of the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF), the binational commission that administers the Fulbright Program in Indonesia. 

Study in the U.S.

• The United States’ top priority in Indonesia is encouraging Indonesian students to study in the United States.  The Department of State has increased funding to $4.5 million annually for English-language training, student advising services, and other exchanges.  

• The United States Mission in Indonesia welcomes student visa applications.  In FY 2011, student visas applications increased to their highest figure within 10 years, and ninety-five percent of student visa applicants were approved. 

• The United States is increasing the profile of U.S. higher education institutions through education outreach to Indonesians.  Under Secretary Francisco J. Sanchez led the U.S. Department of Commerce’s largest-ever education mission to Indonesia in 2011, in partnership with the Putera Sampoerna Foundation.  Fifty-six U.S. higher education institutions participated in the mission, attracting thousands of prospective Indonesian students and their families.  The Fulbright Commission’s EducationUSA Fair brought an additional 45 universities to Indonesia to recruit students.  The two education fairs attracted more than 20,000 people.

• The U.S. Department of Commerce is developing partnerships to encourage more Indonesians to study in the United States.  Assistant Secretary of Commerce Suresh Kumar signed a memorandum with Putera Sampoerna Foundation’s ACCESS Education Beyond to promote cooperation between U.S. and Indonesian universities, and to connect U.S. higher education institutions with Indonesian students and education institutions. 

Basic Education

• USAID seeks to improve the quality of school management, governance, and teacher professional development within the Indonesian public school system.  By providing support in the areas of school budgeting and planning; creation of materials and tools to facilitate learning in reading, math and science; and dissemination of student-centered teaching methodologies, USAID will have an impact on the overall quality of secular and Islamic primary schools in selected provinces and districts.  The ultimate goal is to improve student performance and outcomes.  Activities are also underway to increase access to quality education for students with disabilities.

Library Partnerships and Collaboration

• The Library of Congress is developing the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS) with a consortium of universities, including Cornell, Yale, Princeton, Hawaii, Michigan, Wisconsin, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, to further develop Indonesian studies and links between Indonesian and U.S. scholars.  The Library of Congress is also assisting the House Democracy Partnership with Indonesian parliament staff improvement.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2011

Fact Sheet: Excess Defense Article (EDA) F-16 Refurbishment

The acquisition and regeneration of Excess Defense Articles (EDA) F-16s provides Indonesia with a much needed capability to protect its sovereign airspace and represents the largest transfer of defense articles in the history of the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship – a signal of the growing commitment to regional security under the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership.

The Government of Indonesia has chosen to improve its internal air defense capability through the upgrade and regeneration of Excess Defense Articles (EDA) USAF F-16 Block 25 aircraft provided to the Government of Indonesia via a grant approved in August 2011.  Indonesia currently has a fleet of 10 F-16 A/B Block 15 aircraft.  The acquisition and regeneration of 24 F-16 C/D aircraft via EDA allows the Government of Indonesia to significantly bolster air defense capacity without compromising the defense budget and other national priorities. 

The Government of Indonesia requested a total of 30 aircraft, with 24 F-16 Block 25 aircraft for regeneration, and four F-16 Block 25 and two F-16 Block 15 aircraft for use as spare parts.  Included in the grant was a request for 28 Pratt and Whitney engines.  Indonesia has allocated funding for the regeneration of the 24 F-16s and overhaul of 28 engines.

The  Department of Defense is currently working with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to develop a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the regeneration of 24 F-16 Block 25 aircraft while awaiting completion of the final required Congressional Notification.  The Congressional Notification is expected to be complete and the LOA ready to be signed in early 2012.  The United States Government is working to begin delivery of aircraft by July 2014, as requested by the Government of Indonesia.   

At the conclusion of the regeneration Indonesia will possess a fleet of 24 F-16 aircraft updated with the most advanced Modular Mission Computer (MMC) produced by Raytheon.  The aircraft will also have vastly improved radar, avionics, and the capability to carry and field more advanced weaponry and sensors.  Additionally, a minimum of thirty pilots will receive F-16 differences training in the United States, and mobile training teams from the United States will train Indonesian aircraft maintainers.