Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin Welcomes Visit of Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to Jakarta

Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received a visit from Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Indonesian Defence Ministry building in central Jakarta on Thursday (12 March).

Marles arrived at the location at approximately 09:04 Western Indonesian Time. His arrival was greeted by Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who waited at the front entrance of the main ministry building.

The welcoming ceremony was brief before both officials proceeded to their formal meeting agenda inside the building.

Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin wore a cream-coloured jacket paired with a white shirt, whilst Richard Marles wore a dark suit with a white shirt. The two shook hands as part of the welcoming protocol before entering the building for the official agenda.

After the welcoming ceremony, Sjafrie and Richard proceeded directly to the meeting room inside the Defence Ministry building to conduct a closed-door meeting.

As of that time, both officials had not made any statements to media present at the location. Discussions between them were still ongoing.

The meeting between Indonesia’s Defence Minister and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister is expected to address several strategic issues, including defence cooperation and military collaboration between the two nations.

This dialogue is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the security and defence sectors between Indonesia and Australia.