Japan, Indonesia eye closer ties via intel sharing, export of destroyers

Japan and Indonesia are set to deepen their defense cooperation, with both nations agreeing to explore sharing sensitive maritime information and accelerating talks on exporting Japanese destroyers. The agreement, announced by Japan's Defense Ministry on June 13, follows discussions between Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta.

Koizumi emphasized that enhancing Indonesia's maritime deterrence, particularly given its strategic location near vital sea lanes, would bolster peace and stability for Japan and the wider region. President Prabowo echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of collaboration in maritime security and expressing a desire for tangible progress in defense equipment cooperation.

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Boosting the maritime deterrence of Indonesia, located near critical sea lanes, would also contribute to the peace and stability of Japan and beyond.

Last week, defense chiefs from both countries agreed to initiate working-level discussions regarding the potential sale of Japan's Asagiri-class destroyers to Indonesia. This initiative aligns with Japan's broader strategy to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations as China continues to expand its regional influence. Furthermore, Koizumi and Sjafrie agreed to pursue a comprehensive partnership encompassing training, maintenance, and operational aspects through dedicated working-level talks on defense equipment transfer.

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concrete progress