RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Japanese Defense Minister, Koizumi Shinjiro, expressed his commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Indonesia in the defense sector during his visit to Jakarta. He met Indonesia's Defense Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Indonesia's Defense Ministry in Jakarta, Monday, May 4, 2026.

"I want to discuss in depth with Minister Sjafrie about concrete collaboration steps in various fields, including maritime security, joint exercises, as well as defense equipment and technology cooperation," Koizumi stated.

He further said that the intensity of communication established with Indonesia's Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin since the meeting in Malaysia last November, up to several follow-up meetings, demonstrates the commitment of both countries to strengthen defense cooperation.

He also expressed appreciation for the welcome from the Indonesian government, including the opportunity to learn about Indonesian culture and traditional cuisine during his visit to Bali.

"Personally, in a short time, I was able to get to know more about the richness of Indonesian culinary and traditional culture," he said.

Koizumi's visit is part of the series of the 2026 Defense Minister Meeting. In the agenda, Indonesia and Japan signed a defense cooperation agreement to reinforce the bilateral collaboration between the two countries.

Previously, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, hosted an official dinner with the Minister of Defense of Japan, Koizumi Shinjiro, at the Mulia Hotel, Bali, Sunday evening, May 3, 2026.