Apache Sale to Indonesia Despite Human Rights Groups Objections

Keen to procure Apache helicopters for its air force, a 14-person delegation from Indonesia , which included Army Chief Gen. Moeldoko and Defense Ministry Secretary General Lt. Gen. Budiman visited the Boeing production center in Arizona, U.S. to view eight AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, the company said on Thursday.

“The Apache is expected to be a key part of Indonesia’s continuing efforts to improve its strategic defense capabilities,” said Dave Brostrom, a Boeing business development manager. 

However, two human rights groups are protesting the possible sale and called on legislators to reject the deal.

The East Timor Action Network and West Papua Advocacy Team said that Indonesia’s “long record of disregard for civilian casualties, corruption, human rights violations and impunity” should preclude the sale of the helicopters. 

The time frame for a decision on the Apache request has not been announced, Boeing said, while there was no comment from Indonesia on when a deal would be announced.