Government Officially Signs Defence Cooperation Agreement with Japan

The Indonesian government officially signed a defence cooperation agreement with Japan on Monday (4/5/2026). The signing was executed by Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro after their bilateral meeting. Based on observations, both ministers approached the prepared table. After sitting side by side, Sjafrie and Koizumi signed the cooperation document placed before them. Following the signing, they exchanged documents as a symbol of ratification. They then stood and shook hands, followed by a photo session in front of the Japanese and Indonesian flags. Before the bilateral meeting, Sjafrie and Shinjiro fielded questions from the media. The Indonesian and Japanese defence ministers signed the defence cooperation agreement in areas including the defence industry, personnel training development from both countries, and natural disasters. “We both agreed to promote substantive cooperation in the defence industry and also in the development of personnel training between Indonesia and Japan, taking into account each nation’s national interests,” said Sjafrie. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin referenced the history of the Defenders of the Homeland Army (PETA) during the Japanese occupation when meeting Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro. Sjafrie mentioned the history of the Defenders of the Homeland Army (PETA) in a joint statement with Shinjiro. Sjafrie stated that relations between Indonesia and Japan have a historical background dating back to before Indonesia’s independence in 1945. “The spirit of discipline in the Indonesian National Army was also obtained when we received training together from PETA, the Defenders of the Homeland, which was also educated by Japanese troops,” he said.