RI-Japan To Increase Military Cooperation

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia and Japan have agreed to increase cooperation in military, particularly concerning education and exercises, human resources development, defense industry, contra-terrorism, and disaster handling, a minister said.

"In principle, in the past the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Indonesia focused on the economic field, but now they said  their government is also ready to establish cooperation in the military field," Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said at the presidential palace, here, Tuesday.

The minister made the statement after Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) General Eji Kamizuka paid a courtesy call on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

He said Japan has decided to develop its self-defense force following unfavorable security situation in East Asia, although it was not allowed according to its Constitution after World War II.

"They informed Indonesia about their future plans. Although after WW II Japan was not allowed to develop its military power, the situation changes at present," he said.(*/DWA)