Japan and Indonesia Commit to Strengthening Security Cooperation at Two-Plus-Two Meeting

Tokyo, The Gulf Observer: Japan and Indonesia on Monday agreed to expand their security cooperation, with a particular focus on the transfer of defense equipment, during a “two-plus-two” meeting involving the foreign and defense ministers of both countries.

At the talks held in Tokyo, the two sides also confirmed plans to promote joint exercises between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Indonesian military, alongside enhanced exchanges between defense officials, according to media reports.

The meeting marked the first two-plus-two dialogue between the nations since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assumed office last month. The previous ministerial meeting of this format took place nearly four and a half years ago.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation with Indonesia, noting the country’s leadership in advancing defense initiatives within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He said that stronger Japan-Indonesia security ties would contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity not only for both countries but for the wider region.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also expressed the government’s intention to further enhance bilateral security cooperation in the years ahead.