Two nations with history of chinese massacre forming a alliance.

[syed putra]

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Asia Defense​

Indonesia, Japan Sign New Defense Agreement, Eye Possible Arms Transfers​

With the recent removal of its longstanding ban on lethal arms exports, Tokyo is set to become an active defense industry player in Southeast Asia.

By Sebastian Strangio
May 05, 2026

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro (left) meets with Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin after signing a new defense agreement in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 4, 2026.

Credit: X/Koizumi Shinjiro

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Indonesia and Japan yesterday signed a defense cooperation agreement intended to advance collaboration in joint exercises and defense industrial development, opening the prospect of Indonesian purchases of Japanese military equipment.

The agreement was signed by Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his Japanese counterpart Koizumi Shinjiro in Jakarta, with both hailing it as a milestone in bilateral relations.

“We have both agreed to promote substantive cooperation in ⁠the defense industry and development of our personnel, whilst taking into account our respective national interests,” Sjafrie said before the signing ceremony, according to Reuters.