Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto to discuss the U.S.-Indonesia defense relationship, as well as regional and global security issues. Secretary Austin reiterated President Biden's congratulations to Minister Prabowo on his recent victory in Indonesia's presidential election.
Together, Secretary Austin and Minister Prabowo reaffirmed the importance of Indonesia's military modernization, and discussed both countries' mutual intention to deepen interoperability through closer cooperation on air and maritime defense capabilities.
Secretary Austin thanked Minister Prabowo for Indonesia's recent airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, noting Indonesia's important role as a leader on global issues.
Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of the shared values between the United States and Indonesia—two of the world's largest democracies. Both leaders reiterated the importance of maintaining the international rules and norms that preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
