Jokowi Appreciates The Philippines' Trust In Indonesian Alutsista Products

President Joko Widodo received an honorary visit from Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro (right) in Manila on Thursday (11/1/2024). BETWEEN/HO-Biro Press of the Secretariat of the President of the Republic of Indonesia

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appreciates the Philippine government's trust in Indonesian-made products, especially in the procurement of main weapons system equipment (alutsista).

President Jokowi made this statement when receiving an honorary visit from Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro in Manila.

"I appreciate the trust of the Philippine National Department of Defense in Indonesian SOE products, especially defense equipment products such as aircraft and ships," said President Jokowi as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, January 11.

Regarding aircraft procurement cooperation, President Jokowi said that the cooperation relationship had been established for a long time, and is currently being processed to procure six NC212i aircraft produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).

"This is not the first time this relationship has been established for 38 years. Even in 2018 PTDI has sent two NC212i aircraft," he said.

President Jokowi believes that the two countries can continue to strengthen the cooperation, including through the planned acquisition of Philippine Navy warfare by aircraft.

Indonesia also offered PTDI configurable CN2335-220 aircraft to carry out anti-submarine warfare missions.

"We hope that Indonesia can continue to support the needs of Philippine aircraft through g(inter-government) with a direct contract scheme as a long-term partnership commitment," said Jokowi.

In addition to aircraft procurement, Indonesia-Philippines also cooperate in the procurement of other defense equipment products, namely ships.

The President explained that the two countries had signed a contract for the procurement of two PT PAL dockproduction landing warships which had previously been implemented in 2016 and 2017.

"Once again, thank you for the trust of the Philippines in Indonesian defense equipment products. I am sure that in the future there will be more cooperation," said President Jokowi.

Also accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi and Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir.