Türkiye and Indonesia to boost defense ties, including fighter jet tech

Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced Friday that defense cooperation with Türkiye will be enhanced through a formal agreement, with collaboration extending to advanced technology and fighter jet capabilities. The statement followed the Türkiye-Indonesia Joint Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense in Ankara, underscoring a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. Sjamsoeddin noted that educational exchanges to improve military professionalism and capacity-building are also part of the envisioned cooperation.

Strategic Partnership and Economic Cooperation

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized Türkiye's role as "a strategic partner," highlighting the unique level of bilateral dialogue between Ankara and Jakarta. He described the meeting as being of "extreme strategic importance." Key discussions focused on economic priorities, including market access for strategic products, a potential preferential trade agreement, and cooperation in renewable energy. The ministers agreed that relevant institutions from both countries will establish a joint fund to support cooperation in developing battery ecosystems, joint petrochemical sector investments, and other strategic energy and mining projects.

Regional Priorities and Multilateral Engagement

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to Palestinian rights, with Sugiono confirming Indonesia's ongoing work within frameworks like the OIC-Arab League Contact Group. Looking ahead, Sugiono invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to the upcoming D8 summit in Jakarta, which Indonesia will host as rotating president. He also expressed support for Türkiye's ambition to become an ASEAN dialogue partner and a desire to see concrete economic cooperation between ASEAN and Türkiye materialize.