Facing Radicalism And Extremism, KSP Moeldoko Hopes Indonesia-India Strengthen Cooperation In The Defense Sector

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko supports strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and India, especially in the defense sector.

In a meeting with India's Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pankaj Saran and India's Ambassador to Indonesia, Manoj Kumar Bharti in Jakarta, Thursday, December 8, Moeldoko said Indonesia and India have several common interests.

For example, Indonesia and India both have the world's largest population and tremendous market shares. In addition, Indonesia and India have in common to achieve their respective geopolitical interests.

"We have the same interests in dealing with radicalism and extremism. Therefore, we can develop cooperation to build stronger relations in the defense sector," Moeldoko said as quoted by Antara.

Moeldoko, who is also a former TNI commander, does not doubt India's capacity to build a strong military force. Deputy NSA India Pankaj Saran, on the same occasion, said that the changing global situation made cooperation between Indonesia and India very important.

"We are both maritime countries that directly border the sea. But unfortunately we have not maximized the potential of this cooperation to create a safer area," he said.

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Manoj Kumar Bharti said that the form of cooperation between Indonesia and India in the defense sector would focus on technology transfer and development of local manufacturing industries.

That way, even though all defense technology knowledge comes from India, the process of making defense systems will be carried out in Indonesia by Indonesian local skilled workers.

In previous cooperation in the defense sector, Indonesia and India agreed to explore collaboration through joint production of PT Pindad and Tata Motors to produce water cannons and military vehicles in 2018.

In 2018, Indonesia and India held a security dialogue titled The First Indonesia-India Security Dialogue (IISD-1) in New Delhi, India. NSA India hopes that the second Security Dialogue between India and Indonesia can be held.