Indonesia, Japan seek stronger defense ties amid Indo-Pacific focus

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This cooperation must be maintained, as it strengthens national resilience and helps create a peaceful, stable, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense is seeking to strengthen bilateral and military ties with Japan, as reflected in Deputy Defense Minister Yusuf Jauhari’s attendance at a ceremony marking the 72nd anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to an official press release received on Thursday, Jauhari was welcomed by Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Ueno Atsushi.

Jauhari said Indonesia and Japan had successfully developed a defense partnership over the past several years.

The cooperation has taken various forms, including joint military exercises and exchanges of military personnel for training and educational programs.

“This cooperation must be maintained, as it strengthens national resilience and helps create a peaceful, stable, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” Jauhari said in a written statement.

He also expressed appreciation for Japan’s assistance through the deployment of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the JS Kunisaki vessel, which supported efforts to tackle forest and land fires in Kalimantan in 2026.

Jauhari expressed hope that the two countries would maintain their solidarity, providing a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in various areas, from strengthening defense capabilities to disaster management.