Indonesian, Malaysian Army Chiefs Discuss Border Security, Training Cooperation

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) General Maruli Simanjuntak met with Malaysian Army Chief General Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan on Tuesday to explore ways to enhance cooperation in border security and military training.

During their meeting at the Army Headquarters, General Simanjuntak emphasized the importance of bolstering border security collaboration with Malaysia to combat border crimes such as illegal smuggling and separatist activities. He proposed the establishment of joint border security posts and joint patrols by the Indonesian and Malaysian armies as practical measures to address these issues.

In addition to border security, the Indonesian Army chief also discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation in military training, including the continuation of personnel exchanges between the two countries. “We have organized a lot of cooperation, for instance, through the Kopassus (Army Special Forces Command) and the Kostrad (Army Strategic Reserve Command), for years,” Simanjuntak noted.

General Simanjuntak expressed optimism that the meeting would lead to stronger cooperation between the Indonesian and Malaysian armies in both border security and joint military training.

General Jantan echoed Simanjuntak’s sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for enhanced collaboration with Indonesia in these areas. He highlighted that personnel exchanges with Indonesia would improve the competency of Malaysian Army personnel and emphasized the benefits of special professional military development through exchanges at Indonesian and Malaysian training centers.

“We are keen to prepare aspects related to special professional military development, such as the exchange of personnel and students at Indonesian or Malaysian training centers,” General Jantan stated. He also expressed confidence that strengthening military cooperation would further reinforce bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia.