Jakarta - Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Monday, 4 May 2026 in Jakarta have signed a Defense Cooperation Arrangement that is aimed to boost bilateral defense ties between the two countries into substantive measures.
Japan in 1942 to 1945 was colonized Indonesia, however acting as a big brother as its slogan at the time across many Asian countries. As a proof, Japanese soldiers established a youth paramilitary for locals called PETA in which many of its members became Indonesia's first military personnel. That history was mentioned by Indonesian Defense Minister during a joint press statement at the Defense Ministry in Jakarta.
Before having meeting in Jakarta as part of 1st Indonesia-Japan Friendship Defense Ministers Meeting 2026, the two ministers arriving in Jakarta from Bali.
"Today, we will sign Defense Cooperation Arrangement between Indonesian Defense Ministry and Japanese Defense Ministry as one instrument to strengthening framework cooperation in defense sector between the two countries," Minister Sjafrie said before the signing ceremony.
The signing of the Defense Cooperation Arrangement was held after the 1st Indonesia-Japan Friendship Defense Ministers Meeting 2026, attended by Indonesian Military Chief Jend. Agus Subiyanto and officials from the Indonesian Defense Ministry and the Japanese Defense Ministry.
"We have both agreed to push substantive cooperation in the defense industry sector and also the development of manpower from the personnel between both Indonesia and Japan by considering our national interests," Minister Sjafrie stated.
Minister Koizumi in the joint statement explained his close ties with Minister Sjafrie.
"In the midst of more complex global situation and tense like in Iran, deepening cooperation in defense sector between Japan and Indonesia that have similarity as maritime states, similarity in basic values, can have a huge contribution for peace and stability, not only for the two countries but the region as the whole," Minister Koizumi said.
Japanese government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on 21 April 2026 has imposed a new defense policy, lifting 80-years long restriction for Japan to export its lethal arms to other countries.
