General Dudung And Australian Army Chief Of Staff Discuss Ground Defense Cooperation

JAKARTA - Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Dudung Abdurachman and Australian Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rick Burr discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of army defense between the two countries.

Dudung discussed the opportunity for collaboration with Rick through a video conference from the Bina Yudha I Room at the Army Headquarters (Mabesad) in Jakarta, Friday, June 3.

"Hopefully, this proximity is a strength for us to face possible threats that arise and will disturb both countries," Dudung said in a press release quoted by Antara, Friday, June 3.

The discussions held by the two Army Chiefs of Staff virtually took place in a warm and intimate manner, by participating in discussions related to military cooperation that had been carried out and those that would be carried out in the future.

This closeness is also a form of military diplomacy between the Indonesian Army and the Australian Army, which has been going well, solidly and closely.

Dudung also expressed his gratitude to Rick Burr who will retire from duty in the near future. Under the leadership of Rick Burr, Dudung views that the relationship between the Australian Army and the Indonesian Army is positive and is getting stronger through a number of collaborative programs.

He wished Rick Burr and his family happiness and hoped that the relationship that had existed between Indonesia and Australia would be stronger and more solid for the sake of security in the region.

"I believe, whoever will lead the new Australian Army commander in the future will further strengthen the relationship between the Australian Army and the Indonesian Army," said Dudung.

Some of the cooperation programs between the two countries in the field of AD defense include educational exchanges, logistics, procurement, as well as training and operations, such as the Joint Exercises with Rhino Ausindo and Wirajaya Ausindo.

In addition, there is also a program to send Australian Army personnel for the Garuda Shield Joint Exercise which will be held in August.

The Army Chief of Staff also appreciated the visit of the Commander of the Australian Army Division I, Major General Scott Winter, to Indonesia on May 24-27, including attending the closing ceremony of the Junior Officer Combat Instructor Training-Indonesia (JOCIT-I) activity. The activity was carried out at the Pusdikif Kodiklatad in the Cipatat area, West Java.

Dudung expressed his gratitude for the invitation he received to attend the Land Forces Conference in Brisbane, Australia, on 4-6 October.