Washington: The United States has announced a major defence cooperation partnership with Indonesia, signalling a deepening of military and strategic ties between the two nations amid evolving regional dynamics in the Asia-Pacific.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth hosted Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon, where the agreement was formally signed. Hegseth described the partnership as a significant step in strengthening bilateral security cooperation, noting it would enhance deterrence and reinforce shared commitments to peace and stability in the region.
Hegseth remarked that, “This partnership signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship… bolsters regional deterrence, and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength.” The US defence chief also highlighted that military ties between Washington and Jakarta are active and growing, with both countries participating in more than 170 joint military exercises annually.
According to a joint statement, the agreement outlines plans to co-develop advanced asymmetric capabilities and next-generation defence technologies, particularly in maritime, subsurface and autonomous systems. It also aims to improve operational readiness between the two armed forces.
Sjafrie welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism about the long-term trajectory of defence relations between the two countries. The development comes with reports that the US is seeking broader access to Indonesian airspace for military aircraft. Several media outlets indicated that a proposal for ‘blanket’ overflight access is under discussion.
However, Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence clarified that talks are still at a preliminary stage, centred on a non-binding Letter of Intent. Officials stressed that any agreement would fully respect Indonesia’s sovereignty and legal framework.
A spokesperson for the ministry reiterated that control over national airspace remains solely with Indonesia, and any future arrangements would ensure the country retains full authority to approve or reject foreign military activity.
The agreement also comes as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto continues a series of high-level diplomatic engagements. Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, following recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on energy cooperation.
In recent weeks, Jakarta has also introduced fuel rationing measures and a weekly work-from-home policy for civil servants, as it navigates rising energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.
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