Indonesian Defense Minister Meets Former Australian Governor-General to Bolster Defense Cooperation
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received a courtesy visit from H.E. General (Retd.) David John Hurley, former Governor-General of Australia, at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance diplomatic and defense cooperation between the two countries.
According to an official press release issued on Thursday, the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to further deepen their long-standing military partnership, which has been a cornerstone of Indonesia–Australia relations for decades.
The Head of the Information and Public Relations Bureau at the Defense Ministry Secretariat General, Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, confirmed that several key issues were discussed during the meeting, including the development of a new territorial battalion and avenues for expanding future defense collaboration.
Brig. Gen. Inkiriwang noted that the discussions were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring friendship between Minister Sjafrie and General (Retd.) Hurley.
“General Hurley has been a long-time friend of Minister Sjafrie since their days together at the Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon in Australia,” Inkiriwang said. “The friendship that began during their military education has continued over the years, and both have played key roles in establishing the Indonesia-Australia Defense Alumni Association (IKAHAN),” he added.
He further expressed optimism that the meeting would serve as a platform to further strengthen bilateral defense relations, promote mutual understanding, and support continued cooperation between the two nations’ defense establishments.
The visit underscored the strong personal and institutional ties that have long defined Indonesia–Australia defense relations and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to regional peace, stability, and security.
