JAKARTA, Indonesia — Defense Secretary Robert Gates vowed Monday to help Indonesia reform its military, saying the U.S. was ready to help provide airlift and other maritime capabilities that the country needs.
And in what appeared to be a response to Indonesian criticism that the United States can be overbearing in its foreign and military policies, Gates said the U.S. can play a supportive role as countries such as Indonesia map out their futures.
“From time to time, we have strayed from our ideals and we have been arrogant in dealing with others,” Gates said to the Indonesian Council on World Affairs. “In the end, we have always realized that our own democracy’s strength ultimately depends on the strength and independence of other democracies around the world.”
