Sentry Staff
Indonesia and Türkiye have signed a historic strategic defense agreement, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and aiming to enhance military cooperation and regional stability, officials announced in August 2024.
In a joint statement, the defense ministries called the agreement “a monumental step towards fostering enduring peace and security in our regions through collective effort and mutual support.”
The accord covers a broad range of areas, including joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, defense industry collaboration and personnel training. “This strategic partnership will not only bolster our military capabilities but also contribute to the peace and stability of our respective regions,” said Hulusi Akar, the former Turkish defense minister. “Türkiye and Indonesia share many common interests, and this agreement is a testament to our commitment to work together for mutual benefit.”
One of the key components of the agreement is the commitment to conduct joint military exercises. These exercises will be designed to improve interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations. The first of these exercises is scheduled to take place in early 2025 and will focus on counterterrorism and maritime security, defense officials said.
“Indonesia understands that stability in its periphery directly contributes to its own internal strength,” Muhammet Ali Güler, cofounder and director of Rinali Samudra International, a Turkish-Indonesian enterprise focusing on business consultancy, tourism and export/import, wrote for the Daily Sabah in September 2024. “That is why the Indonesian leadership focuses on developing weapons, which will play an essential role in the nation’s interests. Indonesia’s stability ensures regional security and peace. Therefore, cooperation in the defense industry will contribute to both nations’ peace and stability, both domestically and internationally.”
In addition to joint exercises, the agreement included provisions for the exchange of military personnel for training purposes. Indonesian Soldiers will have the opportunity to attend training programs in Türkiye, and vice versa. This exchange aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of the armed forces of both countries.
The strategic defense agreement also emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing. By exchanging crucial information, Indonesia and Türkiye will improve cooperative efforts in combating terrorism, organized crime and other security threats, leading to more effective joint operations and a stronger collective defense posture. “Intelligence sharing is a cornerstone of our strategic partnership,” said Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto. “By working together and sharing vital information, we can better protect our nations from common threats.”
Another significant aspect of the agreement is the collaboration between the nations’ defense industries. Both countries have robust defense sectors, and the agreement aims to leverage their respective strengths to develop advanced military technologies.
“This collaboration is aimed at not only enhancing our defense capabilities but also at fostering innovation and technological advancements that will benefit both countries,” according to the joint statement.
This agreement strengthens NATO’s network, as Türkiye’s enhanced military capabilities and stronger alliances contribute to the collective defense of the Alliance. The strategic partnership with Indonesia, a key player in Southeast Asia, provides NATO with an extended reach, strengthening its influence and deterrence power in a vital region.
The agreement comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions in both the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and it underscores the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security challenges.