Defence Ministry Reveals Details of Prabowo’s Meeting with Japanese Defence Minister

The Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence’s Secretariat General, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, outlined the discussions from a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjir Koizumi. The meeting took place at the presidential residence in Kertanegara, South Jakarta, on Friday, 12 June 2026. Rico stated that the meeting focused on strengthening Indonesia–Japan defence cooperation following the recent signing of a Defence Cooperation Arrangement (DCA). The discussions covered various issues, including personnel exchanges, education and training, maritime security, as well as logistics and maintenance. They also explored opportunities for defence technology and industrial cooperation that could be further developed by both countries, he said when contacted on Sunday, 14 June 2026. Rico noted that both parties are committed to strengthening a mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to regional stability. These various cooperation opportunities will be followed up through technical mechanisms and discussions at the level of the two defence ministries. He added that no new agreements were signed during the meeting. However, both sides agreed to continue implementing previously agreed forms of cooperation and to explore future opportunities in line with each country’s national interests. In an earlier ministry release, the Japanese Defence Minister expressed his commitment to continue strengthening defence cooperation with Indonesia based on the DCA signed by the two defence ministers in May 2026. Prabowo welcomed the positive developments in Indonesia–Japan defence cooperation and encouraged the strengthening of a partnership that benefits both nations. The discussion also highlighted the importance of human resource development through personnel exchanges, education, and academic cooperation, including the admission of Indonesian cadets to Japan’s National Defense Academy. Both countries view people-to-people cooperation as a crucial foundation for strengthening long-term bilateral relations. In addition, the two sides exchanged views on enhancing maritime security cooperation, logistics, maintenance, and various defence and technology cooperation opportunities that can be further developed through dialogue mechanisms and technical-level discussions. This cooperation is aimed at supporting the enhancement of both countries’ defence capacities while contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.