Indonesia and Malaysia Discuss Strategic Defense Cooperation

April 16, 2025 | 08:16 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Defense hosted an official visit from the Chief of the Malaysian Army, General Datuk Mohd Nizam Bin Jaffar, at their offices in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He was received by the Deputy Minister of Defense, followed by a bilateral meeting with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, Head of the Defense Information Bureau at the ministry, emphasized the visit's importance in strengthening the strategic relationship between the two nations in the realms of defense and military.   

"This meeting underscores the strong commitment of both Indonesia and Malaysia to fostering close cooperation, not only at the defense ministry leadership level but also through military channels and defense industries," Frega stated at his office on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Discussions centered on enhancing defense diplomacy through personnel exchanges, joint military exercises, and defense industry collaboration. The exchange of military personnel was a key focus, aimed at bolstering defense diplomacy amidst the evolving regional strategic landscape.

"Defense diplomacy plays a crucial role in building trust between the two countries. Personnel exchanges and joint exercises strengthen personal relationships among military individuals. This is a vital element of diplomacy that is sometimes overlooked," he explained.

In addition to improving tactical and technical skills, joint exercises between the TNI and the Malaysian Armed Forces are intended to strengthen emotional and cultural bonds as fellow nations. Frega noted that some Malaysian delegates have Javanese and Sulawesi heritage.

"Historical ties and cultural affinity are significant assets in forging long-term partnerships. Joint exercises are about more than military tactics; they build closeness as fellow Southeast Asian nations," Frega added.

During the meeting, General Nizam also expressed Malaysia's interest in expanding defense industry cooperation, including in weapons and tactical vehicle production. Frega confirmed Malaysia's status as a consumer of Indonesian defense products, such as those from PT Pindad.

"Defense industry cooperation is an important agenda for further exploration, aligning with the spirit of ASEAN defense industry independence," he stated.

This industrial cooperation was also discussed within the context of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), currently chaired by Malaysia. Frega highlighted the importance of ASEAN collaboration in demonstrating the region's capacity for maintaining peace and stability.   

The meeting also covered ongoing bilateral forums like the General Border Committee and other high-level engagements. Frega expressed hope that this cooperation would extend beyond the strategic level to military units in the field.

"All of these efforts contribute to the broader vision of a peaceful and independent Southeast Asia capable of maintaining regional stability through close defense cooperation," he concluded.

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