August 12, 2026 | 04:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The United States and Indonesia are looking to deepen their defense partnership, with US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Andrew Colby meeting President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Colby said his visit included a luncheon and talks with Prabowo, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and the two countries’ broader partnership.
“It is an extraordinary honor to meet with the President and his senior team,” Colby said after the meeting at the Presidential Palace complex in Central Jakarta.
The senior US defense official said Washington was optimistic about expanding ties with Indonesia, describing the relationship as based on mutual respect, partnership and deeper cooperation.
“We are honored to be here and look forward to continuing to advance the relationship with Indonesia,” Colby said.
Defense Cooperation in Focus
Colby’s meeting with Prabowo came a day after he met Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Defense Ministry in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 11.
According to Indonesia’s Defense Ministry, the two officials discussed developments in bilateral defense relations and the implementation of programs under the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) framework.
One focus is strengthening the capabilities of Indonesian defense personnel through education and training.
Sjafrie called for more opportunities for Indonesian military personnel to undertake education and training in the United States, with selection based on professionalism and merit.
The ministry said the approach would ensure that personnel selected for the programs have the necessary competencies and qualifications.
Joint Exercises and Defense Industry
Sjafrie and Colby also discussed expanding military exercises, including joint special forces drills, as well as cooperation aimed at improving the capabilities and professionalism of the Indonesian military.
Sjafrie said Indonesia-US defense cooperation would continue to be pursued in line with Indonesia’s national interests.
The two officials also highlighted defense industry cooperation as an important area for strengthening Indonesia’s defense capabilities and capacity.
Colby’s meetings in Jakarta come as Indonesia and the US seek to broaden defense cooperation beyond military exercises, with personnel development and defense industry cooperation also emerging as key areas under the MDCP framework.
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