WASHINGTON: The United States and Indonesia have agreed to elevate their defence relations to a “major” cooperation partnership following high-level talks at the Pentagon between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
Announcing the development on social media platform X on Tuesday, Hegseth described the upgrade as recognition of the “strength and potential” of bilateral defence ties between the two nations. The new framework is designed to deepen cooperation in key areas including military modernisation, capacity building, professional military education, and joint exercises and operational coordination.
It was an honor to host Indonesian Defense Minister @sjafriesjams at the Pentagon today.
I was proud to announce that we are elevating our relationship to a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership, in recognition of the strength and potential of our bilateral defense ties. pic.twitter.com/eyo3Jh1cWF
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) April 13, 2026
A joint statement issued after the meeting stressed that both sides remain committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region, an area of growing strategic competition, according to AFP.
Jakarta welcomed the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen its national defence capabilities. However, Indonesian officials reiterated that the country would continue to uphold its longstanding “free and active” foreign policy, underscoring its commitment to national interests and respect for state sovereignty.
Indonesia also confirmed that a US proposal seeking access for American military aircraft through Indonesian airspace is currently under review. Officials said the matter would require further technical discussions and adherence to domestic procedures before any decision is made.
The agreement comes at a time when Indonesia is carefully balancing relations with major global powers. While maintaining a non-aligned stance, the Southeast Asian nation joined the BRICS grouping last year, which includes Russia and China.
On the same day as the announcement, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on energy cooperation, while also having previously signed a trade deal with US President Donald Trump and joining his so-called “Board of Peace”.
Strategically located along the Malacca Strait – one of the world’s busiest shipping routes for oil and petroleum flows – Indonesia remains a key maritime partner in regional security calculations, according to energy analysts.
