Indonesian Navy Chief Confirms Japan Offers Submarines and Mogami-Class Frigates

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL), Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali, has confirmed that Indonesia has been offered by the Japanese Government to purchase submarines and Mogami-class frigates. The offer came during a meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi some time ago. “The Mogami frigate and submarines from Japan are indeed on offer from the Japanese Ministry of Defence, but this is still being discussed with our Ministry of Defence,” Ali said during a press conference at the Kolinlamil Dock, North Jakarta, on Monday. Ali stated that he does not yet know what decision the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) will take regarding the matter. The Navy, he said, as the operator, leaves the matter to Kemhan. “We follow the directions from the Ministry of Defence,” Ali remarked. It is worth noting that on the Instagram account dedicated to defence news @isds.indonesia, it was stated that Indonesia is interested in purchasing submarines from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force. This interest has been positively received by Japan, which has opened opportunities for the transfer of warfare technology and main weapon system equipment to Indonesia. All points of cooperation were discussed by Koizumi and Sjafrie during their meeting in Indonesia some time ago.