Letter: Indonesia denies misuse of Hawks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The Indonesian government regards the acquittal of four women, charged with damaging a British Aerospace Hawk destined for Indonesia as a domestic affair of the UK and respects the verdict of the jury at Liverpool Crown Court (report, 31 July).
However, their argument that the Hawk would be used to attack unarmed civilians in East Timor is unfounded. The purchase of BAe's Hawk jets by the Indonesian government satisfies the conditions set by the two parties. The Indonesian government has never, and will never, use the Hawks to suppress the East Timorese. Assurances of this have been given to the British government. The British government has found no evidence that the Hawks were being used in contravention of such assurances.
HARRY P HARYONO
Minister Counsellor
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
London W1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments