0 Indonesia and Britain Reinforce Defense Cooperation

Following an April visit to Indonesia by British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Indonesian and British defense ministers held a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday to discuss boosting bilateral military cooperation. “We had some discussions about defense training and defense system procurement. Some of our equipment is from the Britain, and we hope to share experience in that field,” Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said in reference to his British counterpart Philip Hammond. 

The topic of Indonesian military analysis was also deliberated. “We don’t conduct research in this country; in the Britain, they have a clear model and regular research personnel, so we can learn from them,” he said. Additionally, the two countries could confer about soldiers’ welfare, he said, as well as other civil issues such as disaster mitigation programs. “We will share experiences about the best way to improve our soldiers’ well-being. Although we have a very different system, I am convinced there’s something we can learn,” he added. 

Hammond stated that Indonesia and Britain share many similar values and can benefit from each others' experiences. “Our relationship with Indonesia is strong and getting stronger,” he noted. The British defense minister also said that his visit was directed at following up a memorandum of understanding signed during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s state visit to London in October last year. “During that visit, we signed an MoU on defense cooperation, and my visit is aimed at turning that into a reality or a cooperation,” he said. 

Hammond added that Indonesia’s role in global affairs is increasing both politically and economically. Purnomo said the British Defense Ministry has greatly assisted Indonesia, especially in the education sector; Indonesia and Britain formed an education cooperation through Cranfield University and the Indonesia Defense University (Unhan). “We are welcoming many Indonesian students into our military establishments,” Hammond said. Hammond arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday and is set to depart on Wednesday. During his visit, Hammond also met with Vice President Boediono and Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa.

source : the jakarta globe