Ministry of Defence Ensures Cooperation with US Strengthens Indonesia's Defence

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Defence Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) of the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan), Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, has assured that defence cooperation with the United States (US) will strengthen national defence. “This cooperation is viewed as an opportunity to bolster national defence capacity, yet it will be implemented within the framework of free and active foreign policy, national interests, and full respect for state sovereignty,” Rico stated in Jakarta on Tuesday. Rico also explained several points of cooperation outlined in the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), which was signed by Defence Minister (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Washington DC, US, on Monday (13/4). The cooperation points include, among others, collaboration on developing defence technology capacity, enhancing operational readiness, professional military education, and strengthening relations between defence personnel of both countries. Rico continued that with this cooperation, Indonesia has the opportunity to improve the quality of main weapon system equipment (alutsista), sharpen soldiers’ capabilities through joint exercises, and enhance the intellectual quality of soldiers through military education programmes. Rico stated that this cooperation is also believed to strengthen military diplomacy between Indonesia and the US, which has long been established due to frequent involvement in joint training activities. With this cooperation, Rico is confident that Indonesia’s military strength will further increase in maintaining state sovereignty.