U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stand for the national anthems ahead of a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, April 13, 2026. (Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Brann)
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth received the Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon, Virginia, on April 13 to announce the establishment of the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP).
The MDCP is an elevated form of bilateral defence relationship to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a joint statement released after the meeting, both Indonesia and the US “reaffirm their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
This marks an important defence agreement between the US and Indonesia to advance the growing security relationship and is built on three primary pillars: (1) military modernisation and capacity building; (2) training and professional military education; and (3) exercises and operational cooperation.
Several key initiatives include the procurement of cutting-edge technology, defence technologies in subsurface, maritime and autonomous systems as critical equipment for naval military forces.
The agreement also covers the cooperation in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) to improve the operational and combat readiness of military equipment.
Furthermore, both countries agreed to increase joint training sessions for military units across the region. As underlined by Hegseth, both countries have adjourned 170 joint military drills annually, including Super Garuda Shield.
The meeting between the two ministers was held after the US was known to have requested special access to use Indonesian airspace for US military aircraft to pass through.
Beyond the defence agreement, Hegseth also acknowledged his thankfulness for Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace and for playing a critical role in the International Stabilisation Force in the Gaza Strip.
Sjafrie’s meeting coincided with Prabowo’s third visit to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin. Prabowo and his ministers aim to secure energy supply deals while also emphasising broader sectoral collaboration with Moscow.
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