Gov. Linda Lingle and Indonesian Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono, surrounded by aides, exchange goodbyes after announcing a historic partnership between the Hawaii National Guard and the Indonesian military. MARY VORSINO | Honolulu Advertiser

"The value of the partnership is that it can lead to enduring, long-term relationships," said John Finney, political adviser for the National Guard Bureau. "This is one of the most significant partnerships ever. Indonesia is one of the hinges of the Pacific."

Finney and others said it is crucial for the United States to take Indonesia seriously, pointing to the country's growing influence in Asia and its distinction as a budding democracy that has remained secular despite an 85 percent Muslim majority.

Securing Indonesia as a friend, they said, is significant.

Gov. Linda Lingle announced the partnership today at a joint news conference with Indonesian Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono, after the two spent nearly an hour together in a closed-door meeting with members of her delegation.

"There are many opportunities for us to learn from each other and share our experiences," Lingle said, speaking to at least 20 members of the Indonesian media at the news conference. "It (the partnership) will enable us to broaden our relationship."

The pact is designed to spur talks and exercises between the forces — the Hawaii National Guard can share its expertise with disaster planning, while members of the Indonesian military discuss the myriad of disasters they've been through in recent years. They have experience with tsunamis, floods and volcanic eruptions.

The guard will get as much as $500,000 in federal funds more a year to pay for training exercises associated with the program. Indonesia will also fork over money for the program, which will help its more than 350,000 military members.

Indonesians are watching the partnership closely, said one journalist who attended the news conference today. Mehu, who uses only one name like many Indonesians, said there are significant concerns about how the military responds to disasters. In recent years, she said, the country has improved how it initially responds to emergencies, but is lacking when it comes to rebuilding efforts or getting people back on their feet.

"I hope (the partnership) can benefit the military," said Mehu, a journalist for Metro TV news, one of the largest television news stations in Indonesia.