Indonesian House of Representatives Ratifies Five Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreements
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The House of Representatives (DPR) has formally passed five bills into law, ratifying bilateral defense cooperation agreements between Indonesia and Cambodia, India, France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Brazil. The decision was made during a plenary meeting held at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Monday, following unanimous approval from legislators.
DPR Speaker Puan Maharani addressed lawmakers, asking, “Are the aforementioned five bills on the ratification of international defense cooperation to be passed into law?” In response, all representatives of the parliamentary factions voiced their agreement, signaling strong support for the ratification of these international defense pacts.
Earlier, Speaker of DPR’s Commission I, Meutya Hafid, reported that her commission and the government had reached an agreement to proceed with the ratification of the defense cooperation bills during a work meeting held on September 25. She emphasized that these agreements underscore Indonesia’s successful defense diplomacy and are expected to strengthen national security while enhancing the country’s defense industry.
“Our defense diplomacy has resulted in cooperation in the defense sector with friendly nations, namely India, France, the United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, and Brazil,” Hafid stated, expressing confidence in the positive impact of the partnerships. She stressed that these agreements aim to foster mutually beneficial defense collaborations while respecting each nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On behalf of President Joko Widodo, Law and Human Rights Minister Supratman Andi Agtas expressed the government’s approval for the ratification, affirming that the legislation provides the legal basis necessary for implementing the defense agreements with the five countries.
Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto also emphasized the importance of ratifying these agreements, highlighting the strategic value of Indonesia’s defense partnerships with Cambodia, as an ASEAN member, as well as India and France, both nuclear-armed states. He further lauded the defense cooperation agreements with the UAE and Brazil, pointing to the advanced defense technologies these countries can offer.
The ratification of these defense pacts is expected to bolster Indonesia’s defense capabilities, safeguard national security, and enhance collaboration in areas such as defense technology and industry development.
