Defence Equipment Issues in Indonesia-Japan Cooperation, MoD: Discussion Stage

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Defence (MoD) states that Indonesia-Japan cooperation regarding main weapon system equipment (alutsista) is still in the discussion stage. “Regarding the alutsista issue, both countries are currently at the working group discussion level, particularly within the framework of technology cooperation and capability enhancement, including those supporting maritime capabilities,” said Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Information at the MoD, to Kompas.com on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Rico stated that to date, there has been no specific agreement on the procurement of particular alutsista. “All potential cooperation prioritises constitutional mandates, national interests, and contributions to regional stability,” he emphasised. “This DCA covers various fields, including enhancing personnel exchanges, education and research, joint exercises, maritime security cooperation, and cooperation in disaster management,” said Rico. He added that the DCA also opens opportunities for cooperation in defence equipment and technology. Its development will be carried out gradually through dialogue and technical studies, in accordance with the needs and interests of each country, based on principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit. It was previously reported that Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, along with his delegation, arrived in Indonesia via VIP Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on Sunday (3/5/2026). Upon arrival in Indonesia, Shinjiro and the delegation immediately attended an official dinner hosted by Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. On the following afternoon, Sjafrie and Shinjiro signed the defence cooperation agreement. Shinjiro described the cooperative relationship with Indonesia as developing very quickly and openly. “Not many partners establish communication as close and as open as this in such a short period,” said Shinjiro at the Indonesian Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Monday (4/5/2026). He assessed that not many of Japan’s partners have such intense communication in a short time.