Menhan Sjafrie Emphasises US Defence Cooperation Excludes Military Bases
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received a working visit from Under Secretary of War for Policy at the United States Department of War, Elbridge A. Colby, at the Ministry of Defence office in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/8/2026). The bilateral meeting discussed the implementation of the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership programme, which focuses on human resource capacity development, strengthening the defence industry, and the professionalism of TNI soldiers.
Sjafrie affirmed that the strategic partnership with the United States remains grounded in full respect for national sovereignty and is free from foreign military intervention.
“Defence cooperation with the United States is not directed towards the establishment of American military bases in Indonesia. The cooperation is focused on programmes that provide benefits for enhancing national defence capacity, particularly education, training, personnel capability improvement, and strengthening interoperability in accordance with Indonesia’s needs and interests,” said Sjafrie in a statement on Wednesday (12/8/2026).
Sjafrie explained that one of the main focuses of future cooperation is expanding access to education and training for TNI personnel in the United States under a strict meritocracy system. In addition, both countries agreed to increase the intensity of joint exercises, including combined special forces training, to support the enhancement of Indonesia’s defence self-reliance in maintaining regional stability.
Both parties also agreed to strengthen bilateral defence industry partnerships to encourage technology transfer and bolster domestic defence manufacturing capacity.
The United States side affirmed its position viewing Indonesia as an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region while respecting the patriotic values and history of the Indonesian nation.
Sjafrie welcomed the commitment and ensured that all technical implementation of defence cooperation will remain subject to national legal provisions and procedures.
“Indonesia is committed to continuing defence cooperation with the United States through an approach that is mutually respectful, mutually beneficial, and oriented towards enhancing national defence capacity and professionalism,” he concluded.