Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue today to discuss the growing bilateral defense relationship as well as regional and international security issues.
Secretary Austin reiterated his commitment to the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership, which has continued to grow stronger in recent years. The two discussed Indonesia’s defense modernization priorities, and how the United States can help Indonesia strengthen its maritime self-defense capabilities. They also highlighted milestones in the bilateral defense relationship, including the Garuda Shield exercise, which will expand to include fourteen countries for the first time in 2022, and the historic acceptance of Indonesian cadets into three U.S. service academies this year. Secretary Austin lauded Minister Prabowo’s commitment to education and professionalization, highlighting that Indonesia is the top International Military Education and Training (IMET) recipient in the region. In addition, the two leaders discussed new initiatives such as cyber security training and Indonesia’s interest in participating in the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, announced at last month’s Quad Summit in Tokyo.
Secretary Austin applauded Indonesia for its leadership in the region. The two exchanged views on regional security issues such as the South China Sea and Myanmar, affirming the importance of working together with like-minded partners to maintain regional stability. Secretary Austin thanked Indonesia for its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the UN General Assembly, and the two discussed potential implications for the Indo-Pacific region and the international community.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of facilitating U.S. efforts to recover the remains of U.S. soldiers in Indonesia.
The two concluded by highlighting the good communication between the U.S. and Indonesian governments. They agreed to keep in close touch on additional opportunities for the United States to assist Indonesia as it pursues its defense modernization goals.