RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) emphasized that defense cooperation between Indonesia, Türkiye, and Malaysia should serve as an opportunity to accelerate independence in the national primary weaponry system, rather than simply purchasing arms from abroad.

The commission approved further deliberation on two draft laws (RUU) concerning the ratification of defense cooperation agreements between Indonesia and Türkiye and between Indonesia and Malaysia. This approval marks the first‑level discussion before the bills are submitted to the DPR plenary session.

By ratifying the agreements, the DPR seeks to encourage technology transfer, joint production, and domestic manufacturing of primary weaponry systems.

“The ratification process went smoothly. Hopefully, it will strengthen the legal basis for defense cooperation and allow for more optimal implementation,” said Commission I Speaker Utut Adianto during a working meeting with the Defense Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, and the Law Ministry at the Nusantara I Building, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as quoted on the DPR’s official website.

During the meeting, faction leaders signed an agreement document as part of the Level I Discussion mechanism before proceeding to the next stage.

While agreeing to the ratification, Commission I stressed several key points. One priority is ensuring that defense cooperation with Türkiye and Malaysia builds the independence of the national defense industry through technology transfer and acquisition schemes.

Commission I lawmaker Syamsu Rizal emphasized the need for a clear roadmap to achieve independent production of primary weapons systems.

“We want assurance regarding a roadmap for when we should purchase, when we will produce jointly, and when we can produce independently. This is also stipulated in the agreement articles. First, we purchase; then, we are given the opportunity to transfer technology; and finally, we are given the opportunity to independently produce the main weapons system,” he said.

Syamsu added that one of Indonesia’s goals is to develop its own missiles with a range of up to 250 kilometers to strengthen national defense capabilities. “We are committed to designing and producing missiles independently. We hope to reach a range of 250 kilometers, which falls into the ballistic missile category,” he said.

He noted that independence in the defense industry must also be supported by strengthened research and development through collaboration between the national industry and universities.

“One way is through B2B involvement and university participation. We have many universities, including the Naval Technology College (STTAL), which is capable of producing drones and small missiles,” he said.

Representing the government, Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto expressed appreciation for Commission I’s approval to continue deliberations on the two bills.

He said the government is ready to participate in the next stages of discussion with the DPR. “Next, we will participate in the discussion of the Problem Inventory List (DIM) for the bills in question at the working committee meeting,” Donny said.

The ratification of defense cooperation with Türkiye and Malaysia is expected not only to strengthen strategic relations with the two countries but also to provide a foundation for Indonesia to build a more independent defense industry through technology transfer, joint production, and enhanced domestic capabilities. ***