VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Chief of the Presidential Staff (KSP), Moeldoko, received South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Eom Dong-hwan here on Thursday to discuss the Korean Fighter X and Indonesia Fighter X (KFX/IFX) development cooperation.

Moeldoko said that the development of the KFX/IFX fighter aircraft can continue because defense industry cooperation is important for Indonesia and South Korea's diplomatic relations, which enter 50 years this year.

"According to the President's directive, this cooperation can continue, because (this is) one of the strategic cooperations, both for long-term defense infrastructure and technology knowledge transfer," he added.

The KFX/IFX development cooperation is under the auspices of Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs and the Defense Ministry.

The cooperation will include the transfer of fighter aircraft technology from South Korea to Indonesia. The project is expected to produce 120 fighter jets for South Korea and 48 fighter jets for Indonesia.

Moeldoko further explained that the Indonesian government, through the KSP, the Defense Ministry, the Finance Ministry, and the Indonesian Military (TNI), has continued to seek breakthroughs in continuing the KFX/IFX cooperation.

Meanwhile, Minister Eom lauded Indonesia's commitment to continuing the KFX/IFX cooperation.

"This is in line with the agreement of the leaders of the two countries, that Indonesia and Korea are the best partners," he said.

The continuation of the cooperation was marked by the 78th anniversary of the National Defense Forces (TNI) on Thursday.

In a meeting on Monday (October 2, 2023) with the Defense Ministry, Finance Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Moeldoko emphasized that the KFX/IFX cooperation program must be carefully prepared and seriously considered.

"This collaboration has put a stake in the political relations between Indonesia and South Korea. We have to consider it seriously," he said. (Antaranews)