Defence Minister: TNI Discipline Acquired During Training with Japanese-Trained PETA

Defence Minister (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that relations between Indonesia and Japan have been established since before independence. He mentioned that the discipline of the TNI was also acquired during training alongside the Defenders of the Homeland (PETA), which was trained by Japanese soldiers.

This was conveyed by Sjafrie in a joint statement prior to the signing of the Defense Cooperation Arrangement (DCA) agreement between Indonesia and Japan with Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Monday (4/5/2026).

“As is known, the relationship between Indonesia and Japan for us is already a historical background that was carried out before the independence of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia in 1945,” said Sjafrie.

“The spirit of discipline of the Indonesian National Armed Forces was also obtained when we received training together from PETA, namely the Defenders of the Homeland, which was also educated by Japanese soldiers,” he continued.

Sjafrie stated that Indonesia and Japan have agreed to promote cooperation in the defence industry and the capacity building of security personnel from both countries. He said that this cooperation will still consider the national interests of both countries.

“Both of us have agreed to promote substantive cooperation in the defence industry field as well as in the capacity building of personnel between the two countries, Indonesia and Japan, while considering each other’s national interests,” he said.

Sjafrie mentioned that he and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro also discussed defence development. He noted that this cooperation will be established within a humanitarian framework to address natural disasters.

“We will conduct constructive exchanges of views regarding the defence development of both countries and also collaborate with each other in humanitarian relations and to address natural disasters,” he said.