ndonesia and the United States welcomed an upgrade in their security agreement with the announcement of a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) amid domestic concerns over reported discussions on potential overflight arrangement for US military aircraft.
The upgraded agreement was announced on Monday during Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin’s visit to the Pentagon in Washington DC, during which he met with his US counterpart, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of their closed-door talks, Hegseth said the MDCP aims to “maintain peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific”. He added the framework could serve as a foundation as both sides continue to “explore cutting-edge initiatives” in security.
The secretary also highlighted Indonesia’s expanding role on the global stage during his announcement, saying Jakarta’s commitment to advancing “lasting peace” aligns with the ambitions of US President Donald Trump.
“Like President Trump, your President believes in peace through strength,” Hegseth said.
The MDCP “signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship, and it bolsters regional deterrence and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength,” he went on to say.
The cooperation covers the co-development of asymmetric warfare capabilities, advance next-generation maritime defense technologies and enhance joint special forces training, among other aspects, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.
