US–Indonesia Officially Forms New Defense Partnership, Focuses on Strengthening Indo-Pacific Stability

BOGOR RAYA DAILY — The United States and Indonesia officially announced the formation of a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) in a high-level bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, Monday, April 13 2026. This agreement marks a new chapter in the strategic relationship between the two countries in maintaining the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

United States Minister of War Affairs, Pete Hegseth, received the visit of the Indonesian Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, in a meeting which was said to be an important momentum for strengthening bilateral military cooperation. Both parties agreed to make MDCP the main framework for expanding defense collaboration in various strategic sectors.

In his statement, Hegseth emphasized that security relations between the two countries continue to develop actively and significantly. He revealed that the United States and Indonesia have carried out more than 170 joint military exercises every year, reflecting the increasingly strong intensity of cooperation.

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This new partnership is designed to strengthen regional deterrence while encouraging a shared commitment to maintaining peace through a force approach. Hegseth called the MDCP a strategic step to strengthen the position of the two countries in facing increasingly complex global security dynamics.

Meanwhile, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasized that Indonesia welcomed this partnership with great enthusiasm and long-term commitment. He emphasized that defense cooperation must be based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit, for the sake of the national interests of both countries and the sustainability of future generations.

Within the MDCP framework, there are three main pillars that are the focus of cooperation, namely military modernization and capacity building, professional military training and education, and operational training and cooperation. These three pillars are the foundation for strengthening interoperability and military readiness of the two countries.

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Furthermore, the two countries will also explore the development of next-generation defense technology, including asymmetric capabilities, maritime and undersea systems, and autonomous technology. Collaboration also includes maintenance, repair and overhaul support to improve overall military operational readiness.

Increasing special forces training is one of the important points in this partnership. The two countries agreed to expand the scale and complexity of joint exercises, including multilateral exercises such as the Super Garuda Shield, to strengthen collective capabilities and strengthen relations between military personnel.

Apart from operational cooperation, the United States also appreciates Indonesia’s role in assisting the process of repatriating the bodies of US soldiers who died during World War II. This effort is seen as a form of humanitarian commitment as well as strengthening historical relations between the two countries.

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Both ministers agreed that the MDCP was a “starting line” for greater joint missions in the future. With diplomatic relations that have been established for more than 75 years since 1949, this partnership is expected to be a new milestone in strengthening the role of Indonesia and the United States as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region.***