The United States announced on Monday a “major” defense partnership with Indonesia, focusing on military modernization, capacity building, and training, according to a joint statement.
Jakarta stated that a U.S. proposal to allow U.S. military aircraft access to Indonesian airspace is undergoing “careful consideration”, requiring further discussions and adherence to national procedures.
A “Major” Defense Partnership
“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 area,” said U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a statement released on X.
According to the joint statement, this partnership encompasses “military modernization and capacity building”, “training and professional military education”, as well as “exercises and operational cooperation.” The two nations affirm their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, as stated in the release.
The Indonesian government noted that this partnership presents an “opportunity to enhance national defense capabilities”, while emphasizing the preservation of “an independent and active foreign policy, national interests, and full respect for states’ sovereignty.”
Diversification of Partnerships
According to the defense analysis site Global Firepower, Indonesia boasts the most powerful military force in Southeast Asia. While Jakarta upholds a non-aligned diplomatic posture, the country joined the BRICS group of emerging economies last year, which includes Russia and China.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Moscow on Monday to meet with Vladimir Putin for discussions on oil. The Indonesian head of state also signed a trade agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump and joined his “Peace Council.”
Indonesia holds a strategic position on the Malacca Strait, considered by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) as the world’s busiest chokepoint for oil and petroleum products passage.
