Indonesia, Japan enhance naval cooperation during warship visit

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy’s Regional Naval Command III strengthened diplomatic and military ties with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force during a visit by Japanese warship JS Ikazuchi at Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta on May 22.

Assistant Operations Chief of Regional Naval Command III Colonel Boy Yopi Hamel welcomed the Japanese delegation that arrived aboard the destroyer JS Ikazuchi (DD-107) at Pier 107 in North Jakarta, the Indonesian Navy said in a statement on Saturday.

The visit formed part of a courtesy call by the Japanese navy to the Indonesian Navy aimed at enhancing bilateral naval cooperation and regional maritime security coordination, according to the statement.

Regional Naval Command III Chief Rear Admiral Uki Prasetia said the warship’s presence was expected to strengthen synergy between the two navies in addressing maritime security challenges across the region.

Prasetia said the Japanese delegation, led by Commander Nobukazu Ryuso, received a warm welcome from Regional Naval Command III officials during the visit at Tanjung Priok.

The welcoming ceremony featured the traditional “Tapak Dara” dance and was held in a simple but cordial atmosphere, reflecting the friendly relations between the two countries, Prasetia added.

Following the ceremony, officials from both navies held a closed-door meeting to discuss a range of defense cooperation initiatives, including the possibility of expanding joint military exercises.

Prasetia said broader military cooperation with Japan would contribute not only to strengthening Indonesia’s maritime defense capabilities but also to reinforcing security ties between the two countries and the wider region.

He expressed hope that the meeting would further deepen Indonesia-Japan relations and improve cooperation in safeguarding each country’s maritime territory and strategic waters.

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