US 'War God' Welcomes Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Cooperation Deal
The United States government and the Republic of Indonesia have officially agreed on a new chapter in the military relations between the two countries by announcing the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP). This strategic agreement was directly announced by the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, upon welcoming the arrival of the Indonesian Defence Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, during a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon on Monday local time.
The establishment of the MDCP is projected to serve as the primary framework for advancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations. This step is taken to maintain stability and peace in the increasingly dynamic Indo-Pacific region, while also reflecting Indonesia’s crucial role in the eyes of the international community.
Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised that the visit of the Indonesian delegation to the Pentagon is concrete evidence of the continuously growing, active, and developing security relations between the two ministries. Hegseth highlighted the intensity of the military collaboration that has been running very strongly to date.
“Your visit demonstrates the importance of our continuously developing - as well as active and growing - security relations between the Department of War and Indonesia. This partnership reflects the strength and potential of our security relations, strengthening regional deterrence, and advancing our shared commitment to peace through strength,” stated Hegseth in his welcoming remarks, as written by the US Embassy to Indonesia on Tuesday (14/4/2026).
In response, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin conveyed Indonesia’s full commitment to strengthening the cooperation that has been established for decades. Sjafrie emphasised that this strengthening of relations aims to provide long-term impacts for both nations.
“Today, we are present as the Indonesian delegation with great enthusiasm to continue developing our defence relations, which must be sustainable for future generations in Indonesia and the United States. We work on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit to enhance each other’s national interests,” asserted Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The MDCP partnership is based on three main pillars grounded in the principle of national sovereignty, namely military organisational modernisation and capacity building, professional military training and education, and exercises and operational cooperation. In its implementation, the two countries agreed to explore cutting-edge technology initiatives such as developing advanced asymmetric capabilities, underwater autonomous systems, and cooperation in maintenance and overhaul of defence equipment.
In addition to technology matters, the US and Indonesia also agreed to increase the intensity of joint special forces training. Hegseth also specifically expressed appreciation to the Indonesian government for assisting in the repatriation of the remains of American soldiers who fell during World War II.
“I appreciate your ongoing support in helping the United States locate, repatriate, and protect the remains of our soldiers who fought alongside Indonesia during World War II. So, this is the beginning of a new chapter and a shared mission for our great nations,” added Hegseth.
In his official statement, the Pentagon’s Chief Spokesperson, Sean Parnell, added that the two leaders are also committed to expanding the complexity of multilateral exercises such as Super Garuda Shield.
“Additionally, the US praises Indonesia’s leadership in the Peace Council and its active role in the International Stabilisation Force, which further strengthens Indonesia’s position as a global strategic partner.”
Historically, security relations between Jakarta and Washington have been strongly established for more than seven decades, with a focus on Indo-Pacific regional stability. Indonesia has recorded active contract values reaching US$1.88 billion (Rp31.9 trillion) in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system for procuring advanced defence equipment such as F-16 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and Javelin and Sidewinder missiles.
In addition to defence equipment procurement, the US has consistently provided security funding assistance and support for enhancing Indonesia’s defence institution capacity. This cooperation is strengthened by various joint military exercises such as Garuda Shield and Cope West, which are routinely held to enhance interoperability between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the US military.
On the other hand, this strategic cooperation is also closely related to Indonesia’s major commitments on the international stage, particularly regarding the situation in the Middle East. Indonesia has expressed its readiness to deploy 8,000 peacekeeping troops to the Gaza Strip, Palestine, as part of its tangible contribution to global stability.
The deployment of thousands of TNI personnel is carried out under the framework of the Blue Ocean Project (BoP), a peacekeeping initiative spearheaded and led by US President Donald Trump. This step also reaffirms Indonesia’s position as one of the largest contributors of peacekeeping forces under international mandates, now synergising with US-led security initiatives.