THE decision by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) to go ahead with the purchase of AW101 helicopters was a sign of open defiance. The statement by the Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander, General Gatot Nurmantyo, does not immediately cancel the contract with AugustaWestland, the Rome-based company. And the helicopters, worth US$55 million, or around Rp715 billionhave already been painted in TNI-AU colors and are ready to be shipped to Indonesia.

I