Indonesia: No US Military Bases in Defense Cooperation with Trump

Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has stated that defense cooperation between Indonesia and the United States is not aimed at establishing American military bases on Indonesian soil. This clarification came during a meeting with U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge A. Colby, in Jakarta.

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The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic relationship and implement defense cooperation between Indonesia and the United States.

Sjamsoeddin emphasized that the ongoing defense cooperation is designed to bolster the strategic relationship and implement existing agreements. A key focus for future collaboration includes enhancing the quality of defense human resources through education and training programs. The aim is to provide opportunities for Indonesian military personnel to study and train in the U.S., prioritizing professionalism and merit to ensure participants are highly qualified.

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The opportunity for TNI personnel to participate in education and training in the United States will continue to be encouraged by prioritizing professionalism and merit principles, so that personnel who receive the opportunity are those who have competence and meet the qualifications.

Beyond human resource development, discussions covered increasing joint military exercises, including special forces training, and other cooperative efforts to boost the capabilities and professionalism of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Sjamsoeddin reiterated that the strengthening of Indonesia-U.S. defense cooperation remains firmly within the framework of national interests. The ultimate goal is to enhance Indonesia's capacity to independently protect its sovereignty and national interests.

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In addition to human resource development, the two parties discussed increasing joint exercises, including special forces joint exercises, as well as cooperation that supports the improvement of the capabilities and professionalism of the TNI.

Furthermore, Sjamsoeddin highlighted the importance of reinforcing cooperation in the defense industry sector. This is seen as a crucial step toward improving Indonesia's overall defense capacity and capabilities. The cooperation is specifically focused on programs that offer tangible benefits for national defense, particularly in education, training, personnel development, and strengthening interoperability according to Indonesia's needs and interests.

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The strengthening of Indonesia-US defense cooperation remains placed within the framework of national interests and is directed at strengthening Indonesia's capabilities to be more independent in safeguarding national sovereignty and interests.