Indonesia is set to receive at least one patrol vessel from Japan as part of the latter's effort to strengthen maritime co-operation with countries across the Southeast Asian region.
The matter was confirmed by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in a statement released by his office on 10 January. It was issued in conjunction with his visit to Southeast Asia, which included a stop in Indonesia on 11 January.
This was Ishiba's inaugural visit to the region since taking office in October 2024 and it follows on from a separate meeting that took place between the defence ministers of both countries just days earlier on 7 January.
In the statement published by the prime minister's office, Ishiba described the security environment as “becoming increasingly severe”.
“To realise a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, Japan attaches importance to collaboration with Indonesia, which is a comprehensive strategic partner sharing fundamental values and principles and one of the leading countries in the Global South”, the statement added.
In pursuit of this collaboration, Japan will enhance its security collaboration with Indonesia, and this includes the gifting of a patrol vessel to Jakarta, the decision for which was arrived at in 2023, the statement noted.
It will be the first transfer of its kind between Japan and Indonesia and the gifted vessel will be operated by the coastguard agency.
As part of this enhancement, Tokyo will also be hosting Indonesian students at Japan's National Defense Academy, the statement added.
For more information, please see Parola class (PATROL CRAFT) (WPB) .
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