Indonesia, Japan deepen defence ties to boost regional security

Indonesia and Japan have signed a joint statement to expand defence cooperation, focusing on the defence industry, human‑resource development and maritime security. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi said the partnership will facilitate technology and knowledge transfer, improve Indonesia’s defence industrial base and enhance interoperability of their armed forces. The agreement also includes cooperation on humanitarian missions such as disaster management. Both ministers described the deal as a strategic step that supports regional peace and stability while allowing Indonesia to maintain its ‘free and active’ foreign‑policy stance without aligning to any power bloc.

The collaboration is expected to modernise Indonesia’s equipment, develop defence personnel and strengthen maritime defence capabilities for the two archipelagic nations, signalling a deeper bilateral partnership in the Indo‑Pacific region.