Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 09:56 AM UTC

Indonesia, Singapore seek deeper defense ties in Jakarta talks

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W. Marison, Tegar Nurfitra

Indonesia and Singapore are seeking to deepen military and security cooperation, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said while receiving Singapore's outgoing defense attaché, the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

Sjafrie met Military Expert 7 Gan Chee Weng Melvin in Jakarta on Monday (Oct 5) during a farewell visit, the ministry said in a statement.

Melvin, who is taking up a new assignment, also introduced Colonel Ang Jeng Kai as his successor.

"I would like to extend my appreciation to ME7 Melvin for his dedication and contributions to strengthening defense cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore during his assignment here," Sjafrie said.

He said the envoy had kept close and open communication with the Indonesian government throughout his posting.

That openness, the minister said, has underpinned strong defense relations and military cooperation between the two countries.

Sjafrie also met the incoming attaché and outlined plans to strengthen bilateral defense ties.

"To Colonel Ang Jeng Kai, I welcome you and hope that all existing cooperation programs will continue and expand," he said.

He added the ministry would stay open to direct and constructive communication with Singaporean partners on shared interests.

Sjafrie signed an updated defense cooperation agreement with Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing on July 6, during a Leaders' Retreat in Jakarta co-chaired by President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

He met Chan again on July 14, when both sides highlighted efforts to strengthen cooperation, including joint military exercises, defense technology development and military personnel exchanges.

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