Jakarta (Agencies): Indonesia will receive at least one patrol vessel from Japan as part of efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Wednesday during his visit to the region.
This marks Ishiba’s first official trip to Southeast Asia since assuming office in October 2024 and follows a meeting between the defense ministers of both countries on January 7. The vessel transfer, first decided in 2023, underscores Japan’s commitment to fostering security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Describing the regional security environment as “increasingly severe,” Ishiba emphasized the importance of collaboration with Indonesia, a comprehensive strategic partner. “To realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, Japan attaches importance to working closely with Indonesia, a leading country in the Global South,” he stated.
The gifted patrol vessel will be operated by Indonesia’s coastguard agency, marking the first such transfer between the two nations. In addition, Japan will host Indonesian students at its National Defense Academy to further deepen security ties.
The move reflects Japan’s broader strategy to enhance defense cooperation with Southeast Asian nations amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.