Indonesia, Japan Agree to Bolster Defense Ties

3 hours ago 1

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and Japan affirmed their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, particularly in the defense industry and human resources development.

"We have agreed to promote substantive cooperation in the defense industry and in the development of personnel between Indonesia and Japan, taking into account our respective national interests," Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said.

While delivering a joint statement with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Jakarta on Monday, May 4, 2026, Sjamsoeddin stated that cooperation in the defense industry with Japan is a strategic step, as it is expected to contribute to strengthening the domestic defense industry.

Japan is considered to have strong capabilities in defense technology particularly in the development of primary weapons systems. The technology and knowledge transfer from the partnership with the East Asian country is expected to improve the quality of the Indonesian defense industry, Sjamsoeddin said.

Furthermore, Indonesia and Japan also agreed to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian missions, particularly regarding disaster management.

All points of cooperation will be discussed in a closed-door meeting between the ministers currently taking place at the Ministry of Defense Office.

The meeting will conclude with the signing of a defense cooperation contract to formalize these strategic initiatives.

According to Antara, Japanese minister Koizumi considers defense cooperation with Indonesia a strategic step amid rising global conflict tensions, including in the Middle East.

Koizumi said the two countries share several fundamental similarities, including being archipelagic nations, which require strengthening maritime defense.

He said by enhancing this cooperation both countries are expected to improve their defense capabilities while their bilateral relations continue to grow.

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