Indonesia, China strengthen defence ties with military training plan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia will send military personnel (TNI) ranging from officers to enlisted soldiers to China for military education and training, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said on Friday, as the two countries deepen defence cooperation.

The plan follows a meeting between Sjamsoeddin and Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun at Indonesia’s Defence Ministry in Jakarta.

"We will increase joint exercises, expand military education programmes, and increase exchanges of TNI personnel, not only at the officer level, but also among non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, particularly in connection with joint exercises," Sjamsoeddin said.

He added the cooperation would help improving the quality of Indonesian military personnel and strengthen bilateral ties between Indonesia and China.

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The two countries also plan to expand cooperation in joint military exercises and defence industry development.

"We have also invited the Chinese Armed Forces to participate in joint exercises, such as Heping Garuda, which is one concrete manifestation of the relationship between the Indonesian National Defense Forces and the People’s Liberation Army of China," he said.

Sjamsoeddin expressed hope the wide range of defense cooperation would further strengthen the longstanding ties between Indonesia and China, which have been maintained for 19 years.

"The relationship between Indonesia and China have been very close and we are committed to further enhancing this cooperation," he said.

Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend a ministerial-level meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta on Friday.

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Translator: Walda Marison, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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