Indonesia, Japan eye deeper defense, maritime ties

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Ueno Atsushi on Monday to explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation across defense, maritime security, and defense industry sectors, officials announced Tuesday.

"The meeting discussed ways to further strengthen the Indonesia-Japan strategic partnership, particularly in defense, maritime security, capacity building, and defense industry cooperation," Sjafrie said in a statement.

During the courtesy call at Defense Ministry headquarters in Jakarta, Sjafrie expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance in fighting wildfires across Kalimantan.

Japan deployed the tank landing ship JS Kunisaki, carrying three CH-47 Chinook helicopters, to bolster local firefighting efforts.

Sjafrie commended the deployment as a reflection of "strong friendship and solidarity" between the two nations, operating under their bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement.

The meeting follows talks in May between Sjafrie and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, where both nations pledged to expand defense manufacturing and joint military training.

At the time, Koizumi highlighted bilateral defense cooperation as crucial for regional peace amid rising global tensions.

The diplomatic engagement comes as Indonesia and Japan continue to build on commitments made in 2024 to enhance maritime security cooperation, including joint exercises and maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific.

Translator: W. Marison, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2026