Sugiono Reveals New Direction for Indonesia-France Defence Cooperation
Foreign Minister (Menlu) of the Republic of Indonesia, Sugiono, has emphasised the Indonesian government’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with France. The primary focus of this cooperation lies in the defence sector, particularly in the procurement of major weapon system equipment (alutsista) accompanied by in-depth technology mastery.
In a press conference at the Presidential Staff Office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (22/4), Sugiono explained that the defence relations between the two countries are now entering a new phase that is not solely oriented towards buy-sell transactions.
“We obtain or purchase quite strategic defence equipment from France. This also has implications that we must also be able to enhance our mastery of technology regarding those items,” said Sugiono.
The statement is a follow-up to the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron in Paris recently. Sugiono stressed that the government is pushing for collaboration that goes beyond mere physical procurement of alutsista.
According to him, a crucial aspect of this cooperation is the transfer of technology (ToT). “Cooperation beyond procurement. We are not limited to just buying, but also carrying out technology transfer and mastery of technology from the items we purchase,” he added.
In addition to the technical aspects of weaponry, this bilateral cooperation also targets human resource development (SDM). The main focus will be directed towards fields that are vital for Indonesian personnel to have competent capabilities in managing, maintaining, and independently developing the acquired defence technology in the future.
Foreign Minister Sugiono also reminded the public that the procurement of strategic alutsista requires a long time and careful planning. He quoted President Prabowo’s message that building defence strength cannot be done instantly.
“It is always reminded by the President that alutsista cannot be bought like buying goods at a supermarket. As soon as we need it, we want to have it, it can’t be done that way. So the process is long,” he explained.
As a concrete example, he mentioned the procurement of Dassault Rafale fighter jets. The process from ordering to the physical realisation of the aircraft takes years. “For example, for the procurement of Rafale fighter jets, we ordered about four years ago until it runs,” added Sugiono.
Concluding his remarks, Sugiono revealed that President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to make a state visit to France in the near future. The close personal relationship between the two heads of state is expected to become a strong foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations in various other strategic sectors.
This partnership is hoped to strengthen Indonesia’s defence sovereignty while spurring a leap in domestic defence industry technology.