Indonesia-Japan Defense Technology Transfer Cooperation

Indonesia and Japan agreed to increase cooperation in the defense sector by signing an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology.  This is done by the two countries amidst China's increasing influence in the waters of the South and East China Seas and expanding its economic power.

 "I think this is the first history in bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesia," said Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto referring to the technology transfer agreement as quoted by Reuters, Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

 Prabowo said Indonesia invited the Japanese to participate in modernizing defense capacity.  "We also encourage joint training between our services, navy and land," he said.

 Prabowo made the comments at a joint press conference in Tokyo following a meeting of the Japanese and Indonesian foreign and defense ministers.

 "We exchange views on the situation in the East and South China Seas and share serious concerns about the continuation and strengthening of unilateral efforts to change the status quo by force," said Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

 The meeting followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Japan, which warned China of its aggression in the North Natuna Sea or South China Sea.  The US considers China oppressing neighboring countries that are its competitors.

 China, which continues to claim territory in the East and South China Seas, has become a priority issue in Sino-US relations.  This raises significant security concerns for Japan as well as ASEAN countries including Indonesia.