US Welcomes Bolstered Defense Partnership with Indonesia

April 14, 2026 | 05:38 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth welcomes the bolstered defense partnership with Indonesia, achieved through the Major Defense Cooperative Partnership (MDCP) between the two countries.

"This [partnership] signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship … bolsters regional deterrence, and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength," Hegseth said when receiving Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon on Monday, April 13, 2026.

In a written statement from the US Department of War, as reported in Jakarta on Tuesday, Hegseth said defense and security cooperation between Washington and Jakarta is "active and growing," with more than 170 joint military exercises completed each year. 

"Your visit (Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's) demonstrates the importance that the War Department places on our growing security relationship—and it is active and growing—with Indonesia," Hegseth said.

In addition to achieving the MDCP with Indonesia, Hegseth also expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's assistance in repatriating the remains of fallen US service members.

"I appreciate your continued support in helping the United States find, return and protect the remains of our soldiers who fought alongside Indonesians during World War II," Hegseth told Sjamsoeddin.

According to Hegseth, the MDCP will enable US Department of War units responsible for prisoners of war and missing-in-action personnel to continue efforts to repatriate the remains of US personnel from Indonesia.

He explained that the MDCP features three "foundational pillars" implemented based on the principles of mutual respect and national sovereignty.

These three principles are military organization and capacity building; training and professional military education; and exercises and operational cooperation.

Hegseth and Sjamsoeddin both described the defense cooperation as marking the beginning of a new mission for both countries.

"So, here's to the next chapter and our new mission together for our great countries," Hegseth said.

Read: US, Indonesia Announce Major Defense Cooperation Partnerhsip

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