JAKARTA: Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin, paid a courtesy call on Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Thursday to discuss efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
Syed Md Hasrin, accompanied by Defence Attaché Brigadier-General Azrin Iskandar Zulkaply and Assistant Defence Attaché (Navy) Commander Nor Izam Baharudin, met with Sjafrie at Indonesia’s Defence Ministry.
The talks focused on several key areas, including enhancing bilateral defence ties, the establishment of a joint peacekeeping force, and Malaysia’s participation in the upcoming fifth Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK 5) in Bali, Nor Izam told Bernama.
During the meeting, Syed Md Hasrin and Sjafrie expressed satisfaction with the long-standing defence cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia, with the ambassador emphasising that defence relations are a cornerstone of their broader diplomatic ties.
The Malaysia-Indonesia General Border Committee (GBC), which has facilitated joint programmes and meetings since 1972, has been instrumental in fostering closer military ties between the two nations.
Syed Md Hasrin also invited Sjafrie to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), scheduled to take place in Langkawi, Malaysia, from May 20 to 24.
Defence industry collaboration remains robust, with Indonesian company, PT Dirgantara (PTDI), responsible for the maintenance of Malaysia’s CN235-220 aircraft, produced by PTDI.
The meeting also addressed the proposal for a Joint Peacekeeping Force, initially proposed by Indonesian Defence Minister and now President Prabowo Subianto at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 in Singapore.
Syed Md Hasrin confirmed that discussions are ongoing within Malaysia’s Defence Ministry, with further talks with Indonesia expected.
On the topic of MNEK 5, Syed Md Hasrin confirmed that Malaysian Navy assets would participate in the exercise, underscoring the strength of defence relations between the two countries.
Sjafrie, for his part, revealed plans to attend the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Penang, Malaysia, from Feb 25 to 27, aimed at strengthening regional defence cooperation.
He reaffirmed his support for the Malaysia-Indonesia GBC and expressed optimism regarding the joint peacekeeping force proposal.
Sjafrie also praised Prabowo’s visits to Malaysia before he became president and stressed the importance of personal ties between the leaders of both countries, including Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim.
He further expressed hope for the creation of an Asean Standby Force, capable of being mobilised in response to regional security challenges.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Defence Ministry issued a statement stating, "This meeting is part of efforts to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries, which share strong historical and cultural ties.” - Bernama
