Hegseth and Indonesian counterpart unveil defense partnership

WASHINGTON — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the establishment of a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership during an April 13 meeting at the Pentagon, unveiling a framework to advance bilateral defense cooperation and help maintain peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

“Your visit demonstrates the importance that the War Department places on our growing security relationship — and it is active and growing — with Indonesia,” Hegseth told Sjamsoeddin, noting the two countries complete more than 170 military exercises together each year. “This [partnership] signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship … bolsters regional deterrence, and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength,” he added.

“Today, we are here as Indonesian delegates … with very great enthusiasm to continue to develop our defense relationship, [which] should be enduring for our next generation in Indonesia and the United States of America,” Sjamsoeddin said. “We’re working on behalf of mutual respect and mutual benefit to enhance [the] value of our national interests.”

The new cooperation agreement centers on three foundational pillars rooted in national sovereignty and mutual respect: military organization and capacity building; training and professional military education; and exercises and operational cooperation.

Under the framework, both countries will explore initiatives that include codeveloping sophisticated asymmetric capabilities; pioneering next-generation defense technologies in the maritime, subsurface and autonomous systems domains; and cooperating on maintenance, repair and overhaul support to improve operational readiness. The nations also agreed to enhance joint special forces training.

Hegseth highlighted Indonesia’s support for the recovery of fallen U.S. service members. “I appreciate your continued support in helping the United States find, return and protect the remains of our soldiers who fought alongside Indonesians during World War II,” he told Sjamsoeddin. He said the signing of the partnership memorandum will enable the War Department’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to recover those service members’ remains in Indonesia.

“So, here’s to the next chapter and our new mission together for our great countries,” Hegseth told Sjamsoeddin.

The United States and Indonesia have maintained formal diplomatic relations for more than 75 years and established ties in 1949, following Indonesia’s war for independence from the Netherlands.