KBRN, Philipines: Indonesian Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, paid a working visit to the Philippines on Wednesday (23/4/2025). The visit was part of a courtesy call with the Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines, H.E. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.

During the meeting, Minister Sjafrie highlighted the longstanding and robust defense ties between Indonesia and the Philippines. He emphasized both nations’ commitment to further strengthening this cooperation and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships in the future.

Defense collaboration between the two countries has spanned various areas, including joint military exercises, education and training, service-to-service working groups, high-ranking military visits, and other collaborative initiatives. Minister Sjafrie also underscored the significance of open dialogue with the Philippines and other ASEAN members to build trust and deepen defense cooperation.

“ASEAN solidarity will remain the foundation of our collective strength in confronting global challenges,” Minister Sjafrie stated.

The two defense ministers also discussed the critical role of defense cooperation in disaster management, including humanitarian assistance. Recently, Indonesia provided defense personnel and equipment to assist the Philippines in responding to devastating floods. Additionally, the ministers touched on the importance of collaboration in military medicine.

In the defense sector, the Philippines has been a key user of Indonesian defense products. In 2014, the Philippine government purchased two Strategic Sealift Vessel transport ships from PT PAL Indonesia. In 2022, a contract was signed in Manila for the purchase of a Landing Dock ship between PT PAL Indonesia and the Department of National Defense of the Philippines.