RI, Hawaii establish cooperation in disaster mitigation

JAKARTA (Antara): The Indonesian government and the State of Hawaii in the United States have established a state partnership program for mutual benefit, especially in disaster mitigation.

The partnership program agreement was signed by Hawaii Governor Linda Linglie and Indonesian Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono here on Monday.

The partnership program focuses on three aspects, namely, military-to-military, military-to-civilian, and civilian-to-civilian.

"The military-to-military partnership program will emphasize the professionalis development of officers and non-commissioned officers through exchange programs and training opportunities," Minister Juwono said.

Under the military-to-military program, Hawaii had offered an opportunity to non-commissioned officers to improve their skills in helicopter and combat vehicle maintenance.

Meanwhile, under the military-to-civilian program, both sides would establish cooperation in disaster mitigation in case of floods, earthquakes and other catastrophes.

Under the civilian-to-civilian cooperation, the two parties would establish cooperation in emergency rescue and empowerment of democratic institutions.

The Governor of Hawaii said that the cooperation was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in the defense field between Indonesia and the United States of America.

Governor Linda Linglie said the program was also expected to intensify cooperation and friendship between the Indonesian people and the American people.




Source : www.thejakartapost.com