United States–Indonesia Military Partnership
Friends to all, enemies to none. This long-standing Indonesian foreign policy doctrine underscores the country’s careful balancing act between U.S., Chinese, and regional defense interests. While Indonesia has historically maintained a non-aligned stance, its growing military ties with the U.S. have focused on counterterrorism, maritime security, and regional stability. As tensions in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific escalate, the U.S.-Indonesia military partnership continues to expand—with joint naval patrols, arms sales, and elite special forces training marking a new chapter in their defense cooperation.
History
- Cold War & Early Tensions (1950s–1990s): Indonesia initially aligned with the U.S. during the 1950s, receiving military aid under the Suharto regime. Relations were strained in the 1990s due to U.S. sanctions over human rights abuses in East Timor, leading to a temporary suspension of military aid.
- Post-9/11 Counterterrorism Cooperation (2000s–2010s): After 9/11, U.S.-Indonesia military ties improved, focusing on counterterrorism operations against Jemaah Islamiyah and other extremist groups. In 2005, U.S. restrictions on military aid were lifted, enabling closer defense cooperation and arms sales.
- Expanding Strategic Partnership (2020–Present): The U.S. and Indonesia signed the 2021 Defense Cooperation Agreement, increasing joint training, naval cooperation, and defense procurement. Indonesia remains a key partner in maritime security efforts to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Key Characteristics
- Joint Defense & Security Agreements:
- Defense Cooperation Agreement (2021): Strengthens U.S.-Indonesia military ties through joint exercises, arms transfers, and cybersecurity cooperation.
- Maritime Security Partnership: Focuses on naval patrols, counter-piracy operations, and securing the South China Sea.
- Major Military Exercises & Training:
- Garuda Shield: The largest U.S.-Indonesia joint military exercise, involving ground forces, air operations, and amphibious drills.
- Super Garuda Shield (Expanded 2022): A multilateral expansion including Japan, Australia, and Singapore, reinforcing regional security ties.
- Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT): A U.S.-Indonesia naval exercise aimed at enhancing maritime interoperability.
- Arms Sales & Defense Industry Collaboration:
- Indonesia has purchased F-16 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and coastal radar systems from the U.S.
- In 2023, Indonesia signed a deal for F-15EX fighter jets, strengthening its air defense capabilities.
- The U.S. and Indonesia are expanding defense industry collaboration, particularly in drone and missile technology.
Strategic Importance
- Maritime Security & South China Sea Tensions: The partnership helps Indonesia defend its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Natuna Islandsagainst Chinese incursions.
- Counterterrorism & Intelligence Sharing: The U.S. provides training and intelligence support for Indonesia’s elite counterterrorism forces (Kopassus and Detachment 88).
- Balancing China’s Influence: While Indonesia maintains ties with China, U.S. military cooperation provides an alternative security partnership, strengthening Indonesia’s strategic autonomy.
- Regional Leadership & Indo-Pacific Security: Indonesia is ASEAN’s largest military power, and U.S. support ensures it remains a pillar of regional stability.
Links
- U.S.-Indonesia Defense Cooperation Agreement (2021)
- Garuda Shield Military Exercise
- Indonesia’s F-15EX Fighter Jet Deal