Indonesia, Germany agree to improve defense collaboration

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and Germany have agreed to improve their defense collaboration, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto informed after receiving a visit from German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his delegates at the ministry’s office here on Monday.

“Bilateral relation of Indonesia and Germany, including in the defense aspect, is really good; it has been going on for decades. We want to consistently improve this relation, such was the main topic during the meeting,” Subianto informed at a joint press conference with Minister Pistorius.

He said that he and Pistorius will take active measures to improve defense collaboration.

Pistorius said he held an intensive discussion with Subianto, including during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 in Singapore the previous week.

“For example, about the Indo-Pacific area issue from Germany and Europe’s point of views,” the German minister said.

The two also discussed Germany’s bilateral stance in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, he disclosed.

“Particularly with Indonesia, who have been our great partner for decades,” Pistorius added.

Subianto said that he is planning to officially return the German Minister’s visit.

The efforts conducted by the two nations in the defense aspect have included the provision of education to 670 personnel from the Defense Ministry and military in Germany in 2022–2023.

The educational efforts have included the organization of a cybersecurity seminar, officer training information visit, basic course on LOFAR sonar submarine detection, senior executive seminar (SES), and Staff and Command College.

The two countries have also created a routine forum, IGSPST – Indonesia-Germany Security and Policy Staff Talks, as a platform for collaboration.

Subianto gifted a keris to Pistorius after the meeting ended.