US, Indonesia Elevate Defence Ties Under New Major Defence Cooperation Partnership Framework

JAKARTA, April 14 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) and Indonesia have established the Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), marking a significant step in advancing the bilateral defence relationship built on decades of cooperation.

According to a joint statement published by the US Department of War, the MDCP follows a bilateral meeting between the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indonesian Minister of Defence, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, in Washington on April 13.

“This announcement reflects Indonesia’s important role in promoting regional stability and underscores the strength and potential of the bilateral defence relationship,” the statement said.

It said the MDCP will serve as a guiding framework to advance bilateral defence cooperation, with both nations reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The statement said the partnership is anchored on three foundational pillars implemented based on mutual respect and national sovereignty, namely military modernisation and capacity building; training and professional military education; and exercises and operational cooperation.

Under the framework, both countries will explore mutually agreed cutting-edge initiatives, including co-developing sophisticated asymmetric capabilities, pioneering next generation defence technologies across maritime, subsurface, and autonomous systems domains, and enhancing cooperation on maintenance, repair, and overhaul support to improve operational readiness.

“As a symbol of this elevated partnership, and reflective of the deep trust between their nations, both leaders have also committed to enhancing joint special forces training.

“These engagements will advance mutual security interests and forge even stronger, more resilient bonds between American and Indonesian service members through expanded opportunities in premier professional military education and the establishment of defence alumni ties,” it said.

The statement described the partnership as representative of the continued development of the US-Indonesia bilateral defence relationship, built upon decades of cooperation.

“Both countries recognise each other as important partners and reaffirm their commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared interest in regional peace and stability,” it said.

The Ministry of Defence of Indonesia and the US Department of War said they look forward to building on their longstanding partnership and investing in deeper cooperation under the MDCP framework.

-- BERNAMA