Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Indonesia is simultaneously deepening defense and diplomatic partnerships with the United States and Russia, signaling its determination to pursue an independent foreign policy that safeguards national interests without aligning with any single power amid intensifying global geopolitical competition.
In Washington, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon on Tuesday, where the two countries formally launched a new Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) framework to elevate bilateral military ties.
“Security relations between Indonesia and the United States continue to grow actively and significantly. The two nations conduct more than 170 joint military exercises each year, reflecting an increasingly close partnership,” Hegseth said, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Jakarta.
He added that the MDCP would bolster deterrence across the Indo-Pacific while underscoring a shared commitment to maintaining peace through strength.
Sjamsoeddin said Indonesia approached the partnership with strong commitment to building sustainable defense cooperation. “This collaboration is grounded in mutual respect and mutual benefit, and is oriented toward the long-term interests of both countries,” he said.
The MDCP rests on three main pillars: strengthening military organization and capacity, enhancing professional education and training, and expanding operational cooperation. Planned initiatives include joint development of next-generation defense technologies in maritime, underwater, and autonomous systems; maintenance, repair, and overhaul support to boost operational readiness; expanded special forces training; and closer ties between military personnel.
The United States also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s ongoing assistance in locating and repatriating remains of American service members from World War II, a cooperation that will continue under the Pentagon.
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Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo Sirait, chief of the Indonesian Defense Ministry’s Information Bureau, described the agreement as a strategic milestone.
“The MDCP will serve as a guide for broadening collaboration in capacity building and cutting-edge military technology,” he said.
Discussions also touched on a proposed Letter of Intent regarding US overflight clearances. Indonesian officials stressed that the document remains under negotiation and is not yet binding, with all cooperation subject to formal approval and compliance with national law.
Parallel Push in Moscow
Even as defense ties with Washington advanced, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was in Moscow for an official visit, holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
Prabowo described bilateral relations as having developed “intensively and productively” in recent months. He noted productive meetings with Russian delegations and companies both in Jakarta and Moscow.
“I conveyed appreciation for Russia’s support of Indonesia’s strategic interests, including in the BRICS accession process. “This support is important in strengthening Indonesia’s position on the international stage,” Prabowo said, according to a statement from the Presidential website.
The leaders used the meeting for strategic consultations on global geopolitical shifts, with Indonesia viewing Russia as a key partner in promoting world stability.
“Indonesia remains committed to further strengthening relations with Russia, particularly in the economic and energy sectors as the main pillars of future cooperation. We hope this synergy will grow stronger and deliver real benefits for both nations,” Prabowo added. (aan/rhd)
