Defense Secretary Robert Gates was in Indonesia Monday for talks on boosting US military aid. Speaking in Jakarta, Gates said the Pentagon would provide the Indonesian army with weapons upgrades and other support. He also said the US has sometimes strayed from its ideals in its foreign relations.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates: “Throughout more than two centuries, the United States has made its share of mistakes. From time to time, we have strayed from our ideals and we have been arrogant in dealing with others. In the end, we have always realized that our own democracy’s strength ultimately depends on the strength and independence of other democracies around the world, including new ones such as Indonesia.”

Gates’s visit marks a strengthening of US-Indonesia military ties, following several years of a congressional ban on arms sales. Human rights groups say Indonesia continues to lack accountability for abuses by its military.