Ahead of Signing Cooperation Agreement, Sjafrie Explains Soedirman Statue to Shinjiro

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin explained the figure of General Soedirman to Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Hall at the Ministry of Defence on Monday (4/5/2026). The moment occurred before the bilateral meeting began, shortly after Shinjiro signed the guest book. In one corner of the hall stood a statue of General Soedirman. Pointing towards the statue, Sjafrie described Soedirman’s role as supreme commander and a symbol of Indonesian military steadfastness. The atmosphere was brief but cordial. The two stood side by side in front of the statue before delivering a joint statement to the media. Several officials and security personnel were seen keeping their distance, while media crews captured the moment. Afterwards, Sjafrie and Shinjiro gave brief statements. They exchanged greetings and emphasised the importance of defence cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, then proceeded to the room for the bilateral meeting and the signing of the agreement. Before entering, the two posed again for the cameras. The moment seemed to be repeated in Jakarta. Previously, they had posed in front of a Soedirman statue in Japan; this time, they stood before the same statue at the Ministry of Defence. For context, Shinjiro’s visit to Jakarta was to sign a defence cooperation agreement with Indonesia.