The United States announced on Monday a defense partnership described as “major” with Indonesia, focusing on military modernization, capacity building, and training, according to a joint statement.
Jakarta stated that an American proposal to allow US military aircraft access to Indonesian airspace is under “careful consideration,” still requiring further discussions and compliance with national procedures.
“We are elevating our relationship to the level of a major defense cooperation partnership, recognizing the strength and potential of our bilateral ties in this field,” said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a statement published on X.
According to the joint statement, this partnership covers “military modernization and capacity building,” “training and professional military education,” as well as “exercises and operational cooperation.”
“The two nations reaffirm their common commitment to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the statement specified.
The Indonesian government indicated that this partnership presents an “opportunity to strengthen national defense capabilities,” while emphasizing that “foreign policy free and active, national interests, and full respect for state sovereignty” will be preserved.
According to defense analysis website Global Firepower, Indonesia has the most powerful military force in Southeast Asia.
While Jakarta upholds a non-aligned diplomatic stance, the country joined the BRICS group of emerging economies last year, which includes Russia and China.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was in Moscow on Monday to meet with Vladimir Putin for discussions on energy.
The Indonesian head of state also signed a trade agreement with US President Donald Trump and joined his “Council for Peace.”
Indonesia holds a strategic position on the Strait of Malacca, considered by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) as the world’s busiest chokepoint for oil and petroleum products passage.
