Prabowo, PM Shigeru agree on transfer of defense technology

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to bolster defense cooperation between their nations, which encompasses a transfer of technology related to the main defense system and equipment.

In addition to defense technology transfer, both nations agreed to establish a discussion forum for defense practitioners and hold a 2+2 meeting involving the foreign and defense ministers from both countries.

"In our bilateral discussions on security cooperation, we have agreed to create a forum for defense practitioners to address issues related to maritime security, including cooperation on defense equipment and technology transfer," PM Ishiba stated at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Saturday.

During a joint press statement with President Prabowo, Ishiba also announced that Japan, through its official security assistant cooperation framework, would grant Indonesia a high-speed patrol vessel.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla) earlier signed an agreement to receive a grant from the Japanese government for the construction of an offshore patrol vessel (OPV), which will be built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co.

The OPV construction is fully funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

While specific details regarding the main defense equipment technologies involved in the transfer were not disclosed, Japan has recently suggested a joint development of the Mogami-class frigate.

President Prabowo and PM Ishiba led their respective delegations to a bilateral meeting at the Bogor Palace, attended by ministers and high-ranking officials from both countries. This meeting was part of PM Ishiba and his wife Yoshiko Ishiba's state visit to the Bogor Palace.

President Prabowo and PM Ishiba also met one-on-one at the presidential office.