Russia, Indonesia seek to enhance defence and security ties

Senior Russian official Sergei Shoigu held talks with Indonesia's president and defence minister as Moscow and Jakarta aim to strengthen defence and security ties. Indonesian leader accepted President Vladimir Putin's invitation to come to Russia.

On Tuesday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hosted a luncheon at the Presidential Lounge of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta for Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, and his delegation.

"This visit also reaffirms the shared commitment of Indonesia and Russia to enhancing their strategic partnership, particularly in security and defense, while exploring opportunities for future cooperation," president's secretariat said in a statement.

Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) M. Herindra, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Arrmanatha Nasir attended the meeting.

Sergey Shoigu stated that Russia has helped Indonesia train more than 6,800 military officers throughout the years.

"This work continues. It has strong potential and promising prospects," he added.

Shoigu also called on the Indonesian authorities to collaborate proactively on cyber security issues and said that "the Foreign Ministry and the Federal Security Service were engaged in discussing these matters, among others."

According to Indonesian news agency Antara, the Ministry of Defense is seeking to strengthen cooperation between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Russian Military through several schemes, such as joint training, technology transfer, and soldier exchanges.

"The cooperation will benefit Indonesia, as the TNI can gain valuable insights from Russia's advanced technology industry. Additionally, the TNI can learn war tactics and strategies from Russia, as its military is currently engaged in active conflict," - said defence ministry's spokesperson.

Indonesia seeking to strengthen its military capability, plans to develop joint training activities between the two countires. 

Cooperation in technology is expected to grow, as most of TNI’s main weapons systems are made by Russia, including Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets, Mi-35 and Mi-17 helicopters, BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles, as well as the Kalashnikov AK-101 and AK-102 rifles.

Sergei Shoigu, had invited Indonesia to the international military-technical forum "Army-2025" that will be held in August 2025

TNI Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang said that Indonesia, by participating in the international event, will have the opportunity to showcase its defense equipment and systems while gaining valuable insights into military technology from Russia and other participating countries.

He expressed the hope that Indonesia's participation in the forum would enhance ties with Russia, particularly in the defence and security sectors. No detais were provided on what kind of equipment Indonesia will display there.

Shoigu's visit, the first stop on a five-day Asia tour that also includes Malaysia, comes after Indonesia—Southeast Asia's largest economy and the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country—was admitted as a full member of the BRICS bloc, of which Russia is a founding member.

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