Indonesia and US sign major defence cooperation pact to boost military ties

“This is a step to strengthen our defense, while we strengthen our military diplomacy,” Dave stated here on Tuesday.

The defense pact is also in line with efforts to ensure the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) always adapts to geopolitical developments and improves the quality and understanding of the latest defense technology to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, he added.

According to him, technology and training cooperation are one of the focuses of the cooperation framework, which was signed by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Washington on Monday (April 13).

“It can also open up opportunities for cooperation in other areas related to our defense,” Dave noted.

Through MDCP, Indonesia and the US have agreed to elevate their defense ties to strengthen cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The partnership includes three pillars based on national sovereignty and mutual respect.

These cover military modernization and capacity building; training and professional military education; and exercises and operational cooperation.

Viewing the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen national defense capacity, the Indonesian Defense Ministry confirmed it would be carried out within the framework of an independent and active foreign policy, national interests and full respect for state sovereignty.

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Translator: Fath Putra Mulya, Yashinta Difa