Indonesia’s Defense Minister and US Secretary of Defense Discuss Defense Modernization

Singapore, The Gulf Observer: On the sidelines of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024, Indonesia’s Minister of Defense and President-elect Prabowo Subianto and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a significant meeting to discuss the modernization of Indonesia’s primary weaponry defense system.

Prabowo expressed his gratitude to the United States for its support in modernizing the equipment used by the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI). “This modernization is essential to meet the standard strength of the TNI,” he stated in a communication from the Defense Ministry in Jakarta on Sunday.

Highlighting the shared commitment, Prabowo emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in upgrading defense equipment and systems to enhance the capability of effectively handling threats. Both leaders also explored ways to strengthen the long-term partnership between Indonesia and the United States and pursue common interests.

“I extend my gratitude to Secretary Austin for the productive discussion. We hope for continued collaboration and well-maintained relations between Indonesia and the United States,” Prabowo remarked.

Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, Head of the Defense Ministry’s Public Relations Bureau, noted on Friday, May 31, that Prabowo’s attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue underscores Indonesia’s active role in promoting global peace and stability. The forum brings together state leaders and defense stakeholders to address strategic issues and global security.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is an annual forum on geopolitics, defense, and security. Since its inception in 2002, the dialogue has attracted participation from state leaders, government officials, analysts, experts from think tanks, practitioners, and academicians, making it a critical platform for international defense and security discussions.