South Korea Positions For Expansion in Indonesia

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Indonesia and South Korea have pledged to expand defence ties, with emphasis on technology transfers and the development of Indonesia’s defence industrial base.

Following meetings in Jakarta on 30 January between Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and his South Korean counterpart Song Young-Moo, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence said the two sides were looking to elevate their bilateral partnership to a “special strategic” alliance.

As part of expanding ties, the MoD said the countries would deepen the exchange of information to facilitate greater defence collaboration in defence technology and industry. As highlighted by the press release, South Korea also expressed a willingness to support Indonesia’s efforts to indigenously construct submarines.

  ♞ IHS Janes