WNAM REPORT: Indonesia’s House of Representatives approved the ratification of defense cooperation agreements with Turkiye and Malaysia on Tuesday, strengthening strategic ties with both countries.
The ratification followed the passage of bills endorsing the Indonesia-Turkiye defense cooperation agreement and an Indonesia-Malaysia memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.
House Speaker Puan Maharani marked the passage by striking the gavel during a plenary session at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta.
Before the vote, Commission I Deputy Chairman Anton Sukartono Suratto said the ratification process began in April 2026, incorporating input from experts and civil society.
The commission also consulted the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Defense Ministry and Law Ministry, he said.
All parliamentary factions agreed that stronger defense cooperation with Turkiye and Malaysia held strategic value for Indonesia.
“Defense cooperation with Turkiye and Malaysia is strategic to strengthen geopolitical stability, transfer defense technology and enhance military human-resource capacity,” Suratto said.
He said the commission concluded that implementing the agreements would require strict oversight and budget controls, with Commission I ready to fulfill its responsibilities.
“Adequate funding is essential to meet our commitments on time, including strategic plans to develop defense human resources through comprehensive joint exercises,” Suratto said.
Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan said on July 1 that the agreements had not yet taken effect because all parties must complete required legal ratification procedures.
Indonesia’s defense cooperation with Turkiye and Malaysia is based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ermawan said.
