House of Representatives Commission I, which oversees security and foreign affairs, has given a nod to the ratification of a defense cooperation deal between Indonesia and Sweden.
During a hearing with the commission on Wednesday, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto spoke about the urgency of House approval for the bill that would legitimize the bilateral cooperation.
“I hope the House will pass the bill into law as soon as possible,” Prabowo said.
All political party factions at the commission approved the government's proposal, paving the way for the bill to be passed into law during the nearest House plenary session.
Prabowo said the cooperation would open more opportunities for Indonesia to develop its defense industry as well as wider collaboration with Sweden.
The partnership was expected to boost bilateral ties between the two countries, with hopes that it would also bring opportunities for Jakarta and Stockholm to explore possible cooperation in other sectors.
Prabowo said the defense cooperation with Sweden would include several things, such as the exchange of information and experiences on military affairs and international maritime security as well as defense industry collaboration, such as technology transfer, joint research, joint production and joint marketing.
Indonesia and Sweden would also develop training and education in the defense and military sector as well as cooperation on issues surrounding military health care.
Defense ministers of the two countries had signed the partnership in December 2016, and the Swedish government has ratified the agreement.
In November 2019, Prabowo met with Indonesian Ambassador to Sweden Bagas Hapsoro in Jakarta to explore the cooperation with Sweden, during which the minister expressed interest in Sweden's defense technology, particularly missiles and radar.
“I also want all of our taruna [cadets] to study abroad, so that they can expand their knowledge in defense issues and improve their language skills,” Prabowo said.
