August 21, 2026 | 11:55 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun. The bilateral meeting took place at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense in Jakarta on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Upon arrival, Admiral Dong was welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honor. Following their discussion, the two leaders delivered a joint press statement outlining the objectives of the meeting.
"We agreed to enhance defense cooperation, not only in material aspects, but also in improving personnel capabilities," Sjafrie said on Friday.
He further explained that the defense roadmap will kick off with joint military training, educational initiatives, and personnel exchange programs.
Regarding troop exchanges between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), Sjafrie noted that the initiative will involve officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel alike. "We invite the People's Liberation Army of China to participate in joint exercises such as Heping Garuda," said the former Jakarta Regional Military Commander.
Heping Garuda is a joint military exercise previously discussed during a naval coordination meeting between the two nations in Beijing from October 28 to 31, 2024.
Echoing similar sentiments, Admiral Dong emphasized that Jakarta and Beijing share vital mutual interests in safeguarding regional security and economic growth. He added that China and Indonesia will work hand in hand to accelerate defense modernization and build a robust security shield for their ongoing development. "We will bring greater stability and certainty to a world grappling with change and turmoil," Dong said.
Read: China's Wang Yi to Visit Indonesia for 2+2 Dialogue: What to Know
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