JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Indonesian government announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Japan to restart discussions concerning the joint development of naval vessels, a project that had been inactive in recent years.
During a meeting in Jakarta, Japanese Defense Minister Gen. Nakatani engaged with his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, to explore avenues for enhancing defense collaboration. They agreed to revive negotiations regarding the joint development of naval ships, additional military equipment, and the transfer of technology, as stated by Brig. Gen. Frega Wenas, a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry.
Wenas mentioned, “In principle, both defense ministers welcomed cooperation on military equipment promotion.” He emphasized the necessity to delve deeper into where this joint development would happen and whether it would focus on ships or other defense apparatus.
Currently, Japan is restricted from exporting finished frigates or submarines due to its existing regulations on the transfer of defense equipment and technology. Hence, joint development is viewed as a more viable option for enabling such transfers.
Japanese media reported that Nakatani, who arrived in Jakarta on Sunday for the defense ministerial discussions, would present a proposal aimed at reviving plans for the joint development of destroyers that had previously stalled.
Japan’s government has suggested a design for frigates based on its Monogami class, which had garnered interest from President Prabowo Subianto when he served as defense minister. These vessels can be operated by a crew of around 90, significantly less than what is needed for standard destroyers.
However, talks had previously stalled under former President Joko Widodo’s administration, which directed substantial resources toward relocating the nation’s capital, as reported by Kyodo News.
Tokyo has also considered joint development of Monogami class frigates with Australia and Germany, with a final decision from Canberra on the partnership anticipated later this year.
After the meeting, Nakatani refrained from addressing the media but expressed in a statement prior to his discussions that he aims to enhance defense cooperation with the largest economy in Southeast Asia. He stated, “Southeast Asian countries are in a strategically significant region and occupy crucial positions along our sea routes. I would like to use this visit to further develop our cooperative relationship with Indonesia.”
Furthermore, Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the two ministers would establish consultations focused on mutual maritime security, which encompasses collaboration on defense equipment and technology.
Strengthening defense operations is a priority for Subianto, who seeks to boost the military’s capabilities through the acquisition of submarines, frigates, and fighter jets while also enhancing defense partnerships with other nations.
Before returning to Tokyo on Wednesday, Nakatani is scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to Subianto. His trip is also expected to pave the way for a meeting between Subianto and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba later this week.
