Amid South China Sea tension, defence exporters flock to Indonesia

Jakarta

FROM rescue helicopters to air surveillance equipment, defence manufacturers jostled in Jakarta last week to claim one of the region's biggest prizes: a slice of Indonesia's shopping list as the country updates its ageing air and sea security capability.

While it is not part of the dispute over claims in the South China Sea, Indonesia objects to China's claim to waters around the Natuna Islands and has been ramping up military exercises and patrols in the region.