About 80 U.S. soldiers are in Indonesia, including some Hawai'i National Guard members, for what is being described as "opening a new chapter" between the U.S. and Indonesian armies.

Garuda Shield 2007 in West Java represents the resumption of brigade-level, army-to-army exercises after U.S. military ties with Indonesia were cut by the Clinton administration in 1999.

The U.S. broke off ties after troops backed by the Indonesian government used deadly force to try to suppress East Timor's ultimately successful quest for independence.

Washington restored full military relations with Indonesia in late 2005, and Hawai'i is reengaging with Jakarta on military and civilian fronts.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Tom, deputy commanding general for U.S. Army, Pacific, at Fort Shafter, said the exercise is "very important" for the U.S. Army. The last brigade-level exercise conducted between the U.S. and Indonesia was in 1997.

The "command post exercise," running through April 27, involves training with about 70 Indonesian counterparts. It is a precursor to what's expected to be a partnership between Hawai'i and Indonesia.

Part of that relationship will involve the Hawai'i National Guard. Ten of its soldiers are in West Java for Garuda Shield.

"We're looking at this as an opportunity to kind of get our foot in the door with relations with Indonesia," said Maj. Chuck Anthony, a Guard spokesman.

A Hawai'i delegation will travel this summer to Indonesia to talk about exchanges.

"The state of Hawai'i is looking at establishing a full spectrum of partnerships with the Indonesian government," Anthony said.

Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, head of the Hawai'i National Guard, previously said Guard units could bring medical and other assistance to remote areas of Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population and is now seen as an important partner for the U.S. in the war on terror.

Ralph Cossa, president of the Pacific Forum Center for Strategic and International Studies, said any kind of U.S. military exchange with Indonesia is significant.

"Indonesia, in my view, is one of the most important countries in Southeast Asia," Cossa said.

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.