Indonesia, PNG Eye Stronger Defence Ties, Border Management

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, July 9 (Bernama) -- Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have renewed their commitment to strengthening non-aligned defence ties and agreed to expedite the implementation of a previously signed defence pact through the creation of a joint working group.

The renewed commitments were outlined during a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his PNG counterpart Dr Billy Joseph in Port Moresby on Monday.

Both sides pledged to deepen cooperation in military training and education, enhance operational coordination along the border, and explore joint efforts in military aircraft maintenance to support operational readiness.

“Our commitment is grounded in mutual respect and cross-border solidarity,” Sjafrie said in a statement released by the Defence Ministry.

During the discussions, PNG proposed Indonesian language classes for military personnel, which Indonesia welcomed to improve communication and interoperability.

The ministers also supported plans to open a direct air route between Port Moresby and Merauke in eastern Indonesia, and acknowledged food security as a strategic issue requiring joint attention.

Sjamsoeddin further conveyed Jakarta’s intention to arrange an official state visit by President Prabowo Subianto to PNG in September this year, as a tangible expression of Indonesia’s high-level commitment to bilateral ties.

-- BERNAMA