Amid Global Tensions, Japan Partners with Indonesia to Strengthen Defence

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi views defence cooperation with Indonesia as a strategic step amid escalating global conflict tensions, including in the Middle East region. “These shared fundamental values will make a significant contribution to peace and stability, not only for the two countries but also for the region as a whole,” Koizumi said in a joint statement following his meeting with Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Monday. According to Koizumi, Indonesia and Japan share several fundamental similarities, including being archipelagic nations, thus necessitating strengthened cooperation in maritime defence. He mentioned that the meeting covered various cooperation opportunities, including maritime security, joint military exercises, development of main weapon system equipment (alutsista), and defence technology. Through this strengthened cooperation, it is hoped that the defence capacities of both countries will improve further and bilateral relations will continue to develop. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that Indonesia supports strengthening defence cooperation with Japan, particularly that which is substantive and mutually beneficial. “We agree to promote substantive cooperation in the defence industry and personnel capacity building, while still considering each nation’s national interests,” he said. In addition, both countries are committed to strengthening cooperation in humanitarian missions, particularly disaster management. All these cooperation points were discussed further in a closed meeting in the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Hall at the Ministry of Defence, which is planned to conclude with the signing of a defence cooperation agreement by both ministers.