(Press Release)
June 13, 2026
Ministry of Defense
On 12 June 2026, Defense Minister Koizumi paid a courtesy call on President Prabowo of the Republic of Indonesia at the President’s private residence, Kertanegara, where they exchanged views, joined by Minister of Defense Sjafrie.
1. At the outset, Minister Koizumi stated that, based on the relationship of trust with Minister Sjafrie, he would like to work closely with him to further strengthen defense cooperation under the Defence Cooperation Arrangement (DCA) signed by the two Ministers in May this year. President Prabowo expressed his welcome for the steady progress in Japan–Indonesia defense cooperation.
2. Minister Koizumi emphasized that people-to-people exchanges, including high-level exchanges and the acceptance of students from Indonesia at Japan’s National Defense Academy, constitute an important foundation for strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesia, and that, building on this foundation, Japan would continue to promote defense cooperation, for which President Prabowo expressed his full support.
3. Minister Koizumi also noted that strengthening Indonesia’s maritime deterrence capabilities, as a country with vital sea lines of communication, would contribute to peace and stability in the region, including Japan, and underscored the need to enhance cooperation in the field of maritime security. President Prabowo expressed his strong support for these points. In light of this, Minister Koizumi and Minister Sjafrie concurred that both sides would commence consideration of other potential areas of cooperation, including: the sharing of classified information—such as on the maritime domain—and necessary mechanisms to that end; more efficient and effective use of ports; and cooperation in logistics and maintenance services.
4. In particular, Minister Koizumi stated that the commencement of discussions by the defense authorities of both countries, under the new framework for defense equipment transfer, to materialize the transfer of equipment including Asagiri-class destroyers would contribute to strengthening cooperation in the field of maritime security. President Prabowo expressed his expectation for tangible progress in defense equipment and technology cooperation. In light of this, Minister Koizumi and Minister Sjafrie concurred to advance discussions in the working group under their leadership and to work closely toward realizing comprehensive cooperation, including education and training, maintenance and sustainment, as well as operational aspects, and to report back to President Prabowo on the progress.
5. At the Japan–Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting held in conjunction with the courtesy call on President Prabowo, Minister Koizumi and Minister Sjafrie confirmed that they would continue to work closely together in a timely manner to best possible implement and realize the items agreed upon with President Prabowo.