Addin Anugrah Siwi, Jakarta – Indonesia and China have agreed to strengthen defense industry cooperation as part of efforts to develop Indonesia's long-term defense capabilities, said Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Friday.
Sjafrie said the cooperation would go beyond procuring defense equipment to support the long-term development of Indonesia's domestic defense capabilities for both current and future requirements.
Indonesia-China defense cooperation will also expand to include human resource development through joint exercises, military education, and personnel exchanges.
The exchanges between the two countries will include non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, particularly through joint training activities.
Dong Jun said that defense cooperation with Indonesia could accelerate the military modernization of both nations, viewing the strengthening of defense capabilities as part of the effort to maintain security and support the development of each country.
"We will join hands to accelerate the modernization of national defense and build a robust security bulwark for our respective development, thereby bringing greater stability and certainty to a world rife with change and turbulence," said Dong Jun.
Defense cooperation between Indonesia and China has been underpinned by the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) since 2007.
Sjafrie noted that this relationship has spanned nearly two decades and will continue to be strengthened.
During this meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense cooperation through initiatives such as enhancing personnel capabilities, conducting joint exercises, and developing the defense industry.
The closer defense ties come as Indonesia continues to pursue its "free and active" foreign policy, maintaining relations with China and the United States.
The defense ministers' meeting was held as part of a broader round of high-level Indonesia-China talks, including the inaugural Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue Mechanism involving both countries' foreign ministers.