JAKARTA (Bernama-ANTARA): TNI AU Staff Deputy Chief, Vice Marshal Andyawan Martono, discussed joint training plans with Japan Air Self-Defence Deputy Chief, Lieutenant General Takuto Ogaswara, alongside the 2024 Air and Space Conference in Canberra, Australia.
"The two officials discussed the possibility of joint exercise between the two air forces," as quoted from the Indonesian Air Force's official statement on Friday, reported ANTARA news agency.
The Indonesian Air Force welcomes the Japanese military to conduct joint exercises. This will be beneficial for Indonesia to gain new perspective and combat experience with Japan.
In addition, both nations can share knowledge on war strategies and technology of the main weapons systems, according to the statement.
This cooperation in the military sector will also strengthen the long-standing sound relations between Indonesia and Japan.
Hence, the Indonesian Air Force ranks hope that the joint military air training activities would be completed shortly.
Earlier, Indonesian Minister of Defence, Prabowo Subianto, and his Japanese counterpart, Minoru Kihara, discussed several matters during their meeting in Tokyo, Japan, on April 3, including those related to defence cooperation, one of which was continuing cadet exchanges and issues related to the Indo-Pacific region.
Prabowo is optimistic that defence cooperation between the two countries would continue to increase based on the success of earlier programs.
"I previously met with the Japanese minister of defence and asked to send cadets from Indonesia, starting with two people. After that, I asked for another batch, and we have sent four people in total," Prabowo told Kihara at the meeting.
Minister Kihara also conveyed his stance against all unilateral decisions and changes that could increase tensions in the South China Sea.
He believes that Japan and Indonesia, as maritime countries, can work together to ensure the implementation of law in maintaining the Indo-Pacific as a free and open region. -Bernama-ANTARA
