Tri Artining Putri, Jakarta – Despite the rising tension, the Indonesian government decided to accept nine Hercules C-130 airplane donation from Australia. Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro stated that Indonesia have already paid for the purchase of the planes.

Out of the nine transport planes, five of which were bought with a relatively cheap price while the other four were donated to Indonesia by the Australian Government. Minster Purnomo added that the planes will be useful for various purposes such as military operation and disaster management.

The plane donation made the news headlines as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono decided to temporarily halt all forms of bilateral relationship. Purnomo clarified that the decision only affects three issues in his ministry, namely data and intelligence information exchange, and two scheduled joint military training operation.