[Dundee]

At the moment Indonesia lacks both heavy lift capabilities and heavy armour. Indonesia does have the ability to move large numbers of troops reasonably quickly. When you're out numbered 10 to 1, having tanks when the other guy doesn't helps even the odds somewhat.

As for aircraft we've got F-111's, F/A-18's, and P-3C's all with Harpoon II's and (soon) cruise missles. We've got the ability to start taking the Indonesians out before they even leave port.

Whatever makes it through the air cover, frigates, and submarines will have to deal with the army.

Tanks are just an extra layer of defence.

[katana]

You've also got the Seventh Fleet and a lot of folks in these parts who are quite fond of our cousins downunder. Cheers!

[Stonewall Jackson]

I was just checking out the Indonesian Navy's sealift capabilities at www.hazegray.org and they have quite a few amphibs. While I agree that they would lose quite a few ships if they tried to make an assault, if they manage to land several thousand troops, capture an airfield, and then bring in additional troops and fighters for aircover, things could get pretty hairy. Having a couple battalions of modern, battle-proven tanks would go a long way toward evening the odds.