Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Washington, D.C., as reported by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The meeting focused on strengthening the defense relationship between the United States and Indonesia, along with discussions on regional and global security issues.
During their conversation, Secretary Austin congratulated President Prabowo on his recent inauguration. Both leaders addressed shared security concerns in the South China Sea and Indonesia's plans to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza. President Prabowo expressed his commitment to enhancing interoperability with the United States and expanding both bilateral and multilateral exercises, including Super Garuda Shield.
The meeting also led to the announcement of the U.S.-Indonesia Defense Alumni Association, aimed at deepening ties between individuals from both nations. Furthermore, Secretary Austin and President Prabowo pledged to expand their bilateral defense partnership under existing agreements such as the U.S.-Indonesia Defense Cooperation Arrangement signed last year, as well as under the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.