Welcoming Defence Delegations from 19 Nations, Batam Showcases Strategic Regional Position
The Acting Mayor of Batam, Li Claudia Chandra, welcomed the visit of 22 defence attachés from 19 friendly nations as part of the Defence Attaché Tour 2026 at the BP Batam Office on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. This event serves as a momentum to introduce Batam’s strategic position as a free trade zone, an investment hub, and a border region that plays a vital role in supporting regional stability and cooperation.
Organised by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, this annual programme aims to showcase the development of the national defence industry, particularly the shipbuilding sector. The Head of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence Delegation, Colonel Infantry Troy Hutagalung, stated that he was accompanying 22 defence attachés from 19 friendly nations participating in the programme.
Participating countries include Russia, Brunei Darussalam, France, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Laos, Pakistan, Japan, Myanmar, Germany, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, China, Jordan, Australia, and Morocco. “This programme is a routine agenda of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence. We invite defence attachés to see the development of Indonesia’s defence industry firsthand,” said Troy.
According to him, defence attachés play a crucial role as bilateral partners in maintaining regional stability and security. Therefore, the activity aims not only to introduce national defence industry capabilities but also to strengthen friendship and cooperation between nations.
“We also want to promote the Indonesian defence industry through visits to various strategic sectors, including the maritime and shipbuilding industries, which hold potential for cooperation in both defence and economic fields,” he added.
Troy expressed his appreciation to the Batam City Government and BP Batam for their support in ensuring the smooth running of the activities. Li Claudia Chandra also expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in Batam as a destination for the visiting defence attachés.
“It is an honour for us to receive the visit of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence along with the defence attachés from friendly nations in Batam,” said Li Claudia.
Li Claudia explained that Batam holds a strategic position as a free trade zone and free port, bordering several neighbouring countries. This condition makes security a vital factor in supporting investment growth and regional development.
“Security is a primary factor supporting the continuous development of the investment climate in Batam. The presence of the defence attachés today is a symbol of international confidence in Indonesia’s stability, particularly in Batam,” she stated.
She expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen Indonesia’s relations with friendly nations while opening opportunities for broader synergy and cooperation in the future. “Thank you to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence for choosing Batam as part of this series of activities. We hope this meeting further strengthens brotherhood, reinforces strategic synergy, and leaves a positive impression during their stay in Batam,” she concluded.