The United States and Indonesia on Monday announced a new Major Defense Cooperation Partnership, creating what officials described as a framework for closer defense cooperation between the two countries.
According to a joint statement, the arrangement aims to guide bilateral defense cooperation and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the partnership during a meeting at the Pentagon on Monday.
The partnership is built around three main areas: military modernization and capacity building, training and professional military education, and exercises and operational cooperation, the joint statement said.
The two countries will also explore cooperation on advanced defense projects in maritime, subsurface, and autonomous systems, along with maintenance, repair, and overhaul support aimed at improving operational readiness, according to the joint statement.
The statement also said both sides committed to expanding joint special forces training. Officials anticipate that these efforts will bolster defense ties and broaden opportunities in professional military education and defense alumni connections.
According to Pentagon, Hegseth said Indonesia remains an important security partner for the United States and said the two countries complete more than 170 military exercises together each year. Sjamsoeddin said the Indonesian delegation came with strong enthusiasm to deepen defense ties on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.
Hegseth also thanked Indonesia for supporting U.S. efforts to recover the remains of American service members who fought alongside Indonesians during World War II. He said the signing of the partnership memorandum will help the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency continue that work in Indonesia.
The United States and Indonesia have maintained formal diplomatic relations for more than 75 years. Pentagon said that the relationship dates to 1949, shortly after Indonesia’s war for independence from the Netherlands.
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