Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Admiral Muhammad Ali hinted at the possibility of Indonesia procuring Chinese defense equipment following President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Beijing on November 8-10.
"Thank God, talks in China went well and harmoniously. We will step up bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including defense. There is a possibility of procuring defense equipment from the People's Republic of China," he answered ANTARA's question in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Ali noted that he cannot yet share details on the types of equipment to be purchased by the TNI AL.
"Maybe I can provide more information once contracts have been signed," he remarked.
Furthermore, the admiral told journalists that he and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Marshal Tonny Harjono had participated in President Prabowo's meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang.
They also had the opportunity to meet with Zhao Leji, chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
China was the first country that Prabowo visited following his presidential inauguration on October 20, 2024. After wrapping up his agenda in Beijing, the head of state departed for the United States on November 10.
The president is also scheduled to attend an APEC Summit in Peru and a G20 Summit in Brazil before flying to the United Kingdom.
Regarding the defense ties between Indonesia and China, the TNI AL and the Navy of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China are set to conduct the Heping Garuda joint drill in December this year.
To prepare for the naval exercise, the two navies held a coordination meeting in Beijing on October 28-31, 2024.
