Japan and Indonesia Explore Closer Maritime Defence Cooperation

Japan and Indonesia have agreed to explore closer defence cooperation, including the possible sharing of sensitive maritime information and accelerating discussions on the export of Japanese destroyers to Indonesia, Japan’s Defence Ministry said on Saturday.

The agreement came after Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Friday.

Koizumi stated that enhancing Indonesia’s maritime deterrence capabilities would also contribute to the peace and stability of Japan and the broader region. President Prabowo concurred on the need to strengthen maritime security cooperation.

Earlier last week, the defence chiefs of Japan and Indonesia agreed to begin working-level talks on the potential export of Asagiri-class destroyers to Indonesia. In a separate meeting on Friday, Koizumi and Sjafrie also agreed to promote a more comprehensive defence partnership, including discussions on defence equipment transfer, training, and maintenance operations.

The Asagiri-class destroyers, operated by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force, are capable of carrying helicopters and anti-submarine missiles. The first vessel in the class entered service in 1988.