Sjafrie Invites Chinese Armed Forces to Joint Exercise with TNI

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has invited the Chinese armed forces to take part in joint exercises with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The invitation was conveyed during a joint press conference with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the Ministry of Defence office in Jakarta on Friday (21/8).

“We also invite the Chinese armed forces to participate in joint exercises such as Heping Garuda, which is one of the concrete forms of the relationship between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China,” Sjafrie said.

Sjafrie stated that joint exercises between the armed forces of the two countries would be enhanced in the future. In addition, he said the two countries would also increase personnel exchanges.

“TNI personnel exchanges will not only take place at the officer level, but also at the non-commissioned officer and enlisted levels in connection with joint exercises,” Sjafrie said.

Sjafrie noted that relations between the two countries are very close and that both are committed to enhancing cooperation going forward. He said Indonesia and China have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation that is not limited to materiel cooperation, but also includes improving personnel capabilities.

“We will also continue to enhance cooperation in the defence industry between Indonesia and China,” he said.

At the same time, Dong Jun expressed hope that cooperation between Indonesia and China would grow even stronger in the future. He said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Prabowo Subianto, relations between the two countries are at a new starting point.

“China and Indonesia, as a community with a shared future, have common interests in maintaining security and development. We bear a shared responsibility, and it is the right time to strengthen defence cooperation,” Dong Jun said.