Hawaii National Guard and Indonesia mark 20 years of state partnership

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Hawaii National Guard leaders met with Indonesian military and government officials June 8-12 to share lessons in disaster response and reserve force development while marking the 20th anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Hawaii National Guard and Indonesia.

The engagements spanned disaster preparedness, cultural outreach and community engagement in Surabaya and Jakarta, with Soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band, Na Koa, serving as cultural ambassadors during partnership events and commemorations of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

“The State Partnership Program is called the State Partnership Program, but it really is the State Friendship Program,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, the adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard. “The relationships and friendships we’ve built over the years support both of our countries. Those personal connections are what make this partnership so strong. As we celebrate 20 years together, we’re also looking forward to the next 20.”

Established in 2006, the Hawaii-Indonesia State Partnership Program has facilitated hundreds of exchanges focused on disaster response, aviation, medical readiness, cybersecurity and professional development. This visit highlighted that breadth through military cooperation, planning for emergencies and public-facing cultural programs.

The delegation’s first official meetings took place June 8 at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, where Hawaii National Guard leaders discussed regional priorities and future collaboration with embassy representatives. Conversations centered on reserve force development, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and continued growth of the Hawaii-Indonesia partnership. Further discussions with Indonesia’s National Reserve Component Agency included an overview of the Hawaii National Guard and best practices for building and sustaining a reserve force that supports national defense and domestic operations.

At Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, officials briefed the visitors on the country’s disaster risk environment and emergency management framework, with discussions focused on preparedness, response coordination and lessons learned from recent disasters affecting both Indonesia and Hawaii. “Technology plays an increasingly important role in disaster management, from risk mapping and forecasting to early warning and response coordination,” said Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency. “These capabilities help us take preventive action, strengthen preparedness and reduce the impact of disasters on our communities.”

Indonesian leaders outlined the nation’s vulnerability to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, landslides and wildfires due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, and detailed the National Disaster Management Plan 2025–2029 emphasizing science-based risk reduction, technological innovation and whole-of-government preparedness. Following the briefing, Logan invited agency leadership to participate in Vigilant Guard 2027 to deepen humanitarian assistance and disaster response cooperation.

The delegation also visited Kodam Jaya/Jayakarta and attended a large-scale static display of riot control equipment and capabilities at Jakarta’s National Monument. Featuring more than 500 Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel, the demonstration showcased the Indonesian Army’s ability to rapidly organize, equip and employ forces in support of public order and contingency operations. It included a briefing on riot control procedures, operational concepts and specialized equipment used for civil disturbance response, followed by inspections of personnel equipment, support vehicles and other crowd management capabilities.

Cultural engagements complemented the security and disaster management agenda. The 111th Army Band performed at venues across Surabaya and Jakarta during celebrations hosted by the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya and the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, along with a public performance at @america, the embassy-operated cultural center. The Indonesia engagement was the band’s third overseas performance mission and its first international engagement in 34 years.

“Representing Hawaii in Indonesia was an honor for our Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Charifel Mateo, lead vocalist for the 111th Army Band. “Music allowed us to connect with people in a way that transcends language and reminds us that partnerships are ultimately about relationships.”

The visit concluded June 12 with a public performance at @america in Jakarta, bringing together community members, embassy personnel and senior officials, including U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, underscoring the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between the United States and Indonesia.