VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Chief of the National Defense Forces (TNI), General Andika Perkasa, and Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Kanasugi Kenji, have discussed plans for defense and security cooperation in the Asian region.

"I want cooperation between Indonesia and Japan in various fields to be increased,” he said, as seen on the YouTube channel of Jenderal TNI Andika Perkasa here on Thursday.

Perkasa said he hoped that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan, particularly in the military field, will become increasingly stronger.

The existing cooperation is projected to cover not only joint exercises but also work programs in the procurement of primary weapons systems, he added.

The former army chief of staff also expressed the hope that relations between the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) and the TNI will become closer.

Perkasa said earlier that he had held talks with the Japanese army chief of staff about conducting a joint exercise of the two countries’ armies.

The TNI has learned much from the Japanese military, particularly in disaster management, he said.
Japan has a lot of experience in handling disasters so it has set an example in disaster management, he added.

Meanwhile, Kenji called for optimum utilization of the two countries’ capacities in the defense and security field through cooperation in the procurement of primary weapons systems and joint exercises.

"We have been highly awaiting to take part in Garuda Shield Indonesia," he said.

The cooperation between the two countries is important, particularly for building the defense and security force in the Asian region, he added. (Antaranews)