Japan and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen their maritime and defense cooperation as regional geopolitical rivalry intensifies, following a high-level 2+2 meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, in a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s strategic priorities, particularly in maritime security.

Takaichi underscored Indonesia’s role as a “strategic partner” whose cooperation contributes not only to the security of both nations but also to broader regional stability. The meeting came a day after the third round of the Indonesia–Japan 2+2 dialogue, where the two sides agreed to intensify collaboration in politics, defense, and security.

“The bilateral talks were highly strategic, especially considering the current regional and global environment marked by economic competition and political rivalry,” Sugiono said as quoted in a statement on Tuesday.

During the discussions, Indonesia expressed interest in acquiring medium-sized frigates and Japanese-built submarines. Prior to the meeting, Japanese Defense Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Sjafrie visited the Yokosuka Naval Base in Kanagawa Prefecture to inspect several Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels, including the Mogami-class frigate Kumano, the Murasame destroyer, and the advanced Taigei-class submarine.

Sjafrie emphasized Japan’s importance in Jakarta’s effort to bolster maritime security. “The visit to Yokosuka reflects our shared commitment to building Indo-Pacific stability through concrete collaboration, interoperability, and enhanced defensecapabilities,” he said.

Indonesia, previously eyeing Japan’s retired Soryu-class submarines, now appears to be shifting its attention to the more modern Taigei class, which uses lithium-ion batteries offering greater underwater endurance and speed than traditional lead-acid systems.

Koizumi said the meeting laid “a strong foundation” for deepening maritime security cooperation, noting that military transfers have become an essential tool in Japan’s security policy.

The two countries also reviewed progress on their defenseconsultation mechanism, launched in January 2025. Beyond maritime issues, the mechanism covers equipment collaboration and technology transfer.

Jakarta and Tokyo are currently negotiating potential joint development and production of advanced frigates for the Indonesian Navy an initiative first floated by President Prabowo Subianto when he was defense minister in 2021.

Sources say Tokyo has proposed a US$1.94 billion package involving the construction of four frigates in Japan, with another four to be built in Indonesia by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia.

In addition to exports and tech transfer, Japan agreed to continue its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, which provides defense equipment and infrastructure support to partner militaries in the form of grants. Under this scheme, Japan will deliver another batch of high-speed patrol vessels to Indonesia in the coming year, following the two that have already been supplied earlier this year.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is separately constructing an offshore patrol vessel for the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), scheduled for delivery in March 2028.

Indonesia’s pursuit of diversified defense partnerships including assets from South Korea, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as its recent plan to acquire 42 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China signals Jakarta’s continued non-aligned defense posture.

Maritime economy

Beyond security cooperation, both sides highlighted the importance of maritime economic collaboration. As archipelagic nations, Japan and Indonesia share a similar strategic outlook on fisheries, coastal economic development, and food security. The two governments discussed plans to break ground on the Natuna Fish Market in early December one of Indonesia’s Integrated Marine and Fisheries Centersvalued at US$5.6 million.

Sugiono and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also discussed green-economy initiatives, including potential cooperation on decarbonization, critical minerals, disaster management, and infrastructure development.

Koizumi welcomed Indonesia’s increasingly active role in ASEAN’s regional security architecture. He called Indonesia a “strategic partner” in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability amid rising maritime challenges. Sjafrie echoed this, saying Indonesia’s approach aligns with ASEAN centrality and the vision of an open, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific.

Both sides agreed to broaden joint exercises and improve interoperability. Cooperation will include expanded participation in the Super Garuda Shield drills, special-forces collaboration, and unit-level tactical exchanges. Enhanced coastal radar cooperation and maritime surveillance support were also on the table.

“The meeting was open and constructive. Indonesia and Japan agreed to strengthen defense cooperation in concrete and measurable ways, contributing significantly to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” Sjafrie said.