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Indonesia and Turkey Strengthen Defense and Economic Ties
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday to bolster economic and defense relations between the two Muslim-majority nations. The talks marked the first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council summit between the countries, a forum created following a meeting in Bali in 2022.
Erdogan’s state visit to Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country and Southeast Asia’s economic powerhouse, is part of a four-day trip that also includes stops in Malaysia and Pakistan.
“This summit is the highest regular bilateral platform, addressing a broad range of issues, including strategic priorities,” said Rolliansyah Soemirat, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s foreign ministry.
The discussions are expected to focus on regional and global matters, including the ongoing war in Gaza. Erdogan has been vocal about opposing a U.S. proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, stressing that Israel should bear responsibility for the region's reconstruction.
Upon arriving in Jakarta late Tuesday, Erdogan and his wife, First Lady Emine Erdogan, were greeted by Subianto at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport. The two leaders traveled to the hotel in a motorcade amid light rain.
Turkey and Indonesia have fostered a closer relationship in recent years. Last July, Subianto, then president-elect and defense minister, met Erdogan in Ankara, where they agreed to elevate defense cooperation and other strategic partnerships. The two countries signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2010, leading to joint projects, including the development of a new medium tank model by Indonesia’s Pindad and Turkey’s FNSS. In 2023, they expanded their collaboration with a plan for joint military exercises.
During Erdogan’s visit, Turkey and Indonesia are expected to sign agreements on trade, investment, education, and technology.
Erdogan will continue his trip to Pakistan on Wednesday, where he will participate in the Pakistan-Turkey Business and Investment Forum and engage in another High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting.