RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has passed two draft laws ratifying defense cooperation agreements with Turkey and Malaysia, marking an important step in defense diplomacy and the development of military human resources.

The bills include the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on Defense Cooperation, and the Ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of Malaysia on Defense Cooperation.

The approvals were granted during a plenary session at the DPR Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani requested approval from all factions before ratification, which was unanimously granted.

Deputy Speaker Anton Sukartono Suratto of Commission I said discussions on the two bills had been ongoing since April 2026, involving the government, experts, and civil society. He emphasized that all factions view defense cooperation with Turkey and Malaysia as strategically important for national interests.

“All factions view defense cooperation between Indonesia, Turkey, and Malaysia as highly strategic in strengthening geopolitical stability, transferring defense industry technology, and increasing the capacity of military human resources,” Anton said, as quoted by Antara.

He added that consistent oversight and adequate budget support are necessary for effective implementation, including joint training, improving defense personnel quality, and strengthening institutional capacity.

Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan previously explained that the agreements with Turkey and Malaysia could not yet be implemented due to pending legal processes in each country. Therefore, DPR’s ratification of the two bills is crucial for the agreements to take effect.

Ermawan stressed that defense cooperation with Turkey and Malaysia is based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The enactment of these laws is expected to expand Indonesia’s defense collaboration, starting with defense industry development, technology transfer, and improving military personnel capabilities. ***