US, Indonesia announce defence cooperation partnership, joint special forces training

The agreement is expected to serve as a framework to advance bilateral defence cooperation between the US and Indonesia through three foundational pillars.

These pillars include military modernisation and capacity building, training and professional military education and exercises and operational cooperation.

“Like President Trump, your president believes in peace through strength. And I commend Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace and for playing a leading role in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, as well. Thank you for your commitment to advancing President Trump’s goal; both of our presidents’ goals of lasting peace,” Secretary Hegseth said.

“In recognition of the important security collaboration we are undertaking, we are announcing today that our two countries are elevating our security partnership to a major defence cooperation partnership. This signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship, and it bolsters regional deterrence and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength.

“I would also note that the relationship between our special forces is strong, and we look forward to expanding our cooperation and collaboration together. I’m also grateful that you’ll be visiting Arlington National Cemetery to pay respects to our fallen warriors. And we certainly give our condolences for your three in Lebanon, as well.”

Under the MDCP framework, the United States and Indonesia will explore mutually agreed initiatives such as co-developing defence technologies in the maritime, subsurface and autonomous systems domains, and cooperating on maintenance, repair and overhaul support to improve operational readiness.

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In addition, both leaders have also committed to enhance joint special forces training to forge resilient bonds between American and Indonesian service members.

Both representatives also committed to expanding the scope and complexity of bilateral and multilateral exercises, such as Super Garuda Shield, to strengthen collective capabilities.

“We are here as Indonesian delegates in Pentagon with very great enthusiasm to continue and to develop our defence relationship and should be enduring for our next generation in Indonesia and the United States of America. We will be working on behalf of mutual respect and mutual benefit to enhance value of our national interests, United States of America and Republic of Indonesia. Today is, as I mentioned, line of departure for our next development of defence cooperation between the United States of America and Indonesia,” Minister Sjamsoeddin said.

The US administration has also acknowledged the assistance Indonesia has provided in the recovery of fallen US service members. The signing of the partnership memorandum is expected to enable the War Department’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to recover service members’ remains in Indonesia.

“I appreciate your continued support in helping the United States find, return and protect the remains of our soldiers who fought alongside Indonesians during World War II,” Secretary Hegseth said.

The US and Indonesia have maintained formal diplomatic relations for more than 75 years and established ties in 1949, just after Indonesia’s war for independence from the Netherlands.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.