Visited by the United States Defense Minister, Prabowo Discusses Prisoners of War Program

Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto. (Kemhan.go)

JAKARTA - Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto said he was satisfied to cooperate in the defense sector with the United States (US).

This was conveyed by Prabowo after holding a closed meeting with the US Defense Minister, Lloyd J Austin III, at the Ministry of Defense Office, Jakarta, Monday, November 21.

"I express my satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries so far. Relations between the two countries have lasted for decades and are in a very good situation", he said, quoted from Antara.

Prabowo said his meeting with Defense Minister Austin was the fourth meeting in the last two years.

Talks between the two ministers were constructive. There were several points discussed related to defense cooperation between the two countries, such as in the field of education for TNI soldiers, defense equipment, to joint exercises.

He said that there were joint programs that needed to be completed, particularly regarding prisoners of war (POW). Likewise, missing in action (MIA) recovery in Indonesia.

"We promise to speed this up, and we want to help them bring back their fallen heroes", said the former Danjen Kopassus.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Austin emphasized that the friendly relationship between the US and Indonesia in the defense sector has been going on for 70 years and continues to grow.

He said Indonesia had demonstrated its ability to defend the sovereignty and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

"The United States is proud to work with you to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific", he said.

Austin also said he would deepen the partnership between the US and Indonesia.

"In this meeting, we discussed efforts to deepen partnerships including expanding interoperability, and increasing investment in education", said Austin.