Minister Sjafrie Receives Sudanese Minister, Opens Cooperation Opportunity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received an official visit of Sudanese Defense Minister Lieutenant General Hassan Daoud Kabroun Kayan at the Indonesian's Ministry of Defense in Jakarta on September 9, 2026. Minister Hassan was formally welcomed by Minister Sjafrie with a military guard of honor.

Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, said the meeting focused on potential areas of cooperation, particularly in the defense sector. He said Sudan expressed an interest in sending its personnel to Indonesia for defense education and training.

“One of the interesting issues discussed was the opportunity for cooperation in food security. Sudan highlighted its potential in the form of vast and fertile agricultural land, as well as a substantial livestock sector. These resources have been offered for joint exploration, particularly with Indonesia, in support of the food security efforts we are currently undertaking,” Rico mentioned.

He also highlighted the potential for broader economic ties and cooperation between the two countries. However, he said all potential areas of cooperation would need to be assessed through the appropriate government mechanisms and would eventually be formulated under a Defense Cooperation Arrangement.

“Both sides also identified potential for broader economic relations and cooperation. Sudan highlighted its strategic position and its proximity to various countries in Africa as an opportunity to expand Indonesia’s relations with the region. However, all these potential areas of cooperation will of course require further discussion and assessment through the relevant ministries and government agencies, including their eventual formulation in the form of a Defense Cooperation Arrangement,” he added.

Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo has also explained the outcome of the meeting between the two defense ministers will subsequently be followed up at the technical level. Acording to him, a working group will be established to map out concrete opportunities for cooperation and ensure that any initiatives are implemented in accordance with the national interests of both countries.

“At present, the two countries also do not yet have a formal document governing bilateral defense cooperation. Therefore, the institutional aspects and framework for cooperation will be discussed further. Indonesia will, of course, continue to closely monitor developments in the security and humanitarian situation in Sudan,” Rico conveyed.