1Berita English – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) showcases and mentions that the Philippine government expresses satisfaction with defense equipment produced by Indonesia.
According to Jokowi, this testimony was conveyed during his meeting with the Philippine Defense Minister, Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C Teodoro Jr, at the Peninsula Manila Hotel in Manila on Thursday (11/1).
“I met with the Philippine Defense Minister, and he expressed his confidence and satisfaction with Indonesian defense industry products, such as light aircraft from PT DI and warships from PT PAL,” said Jokowi.
Jokowi further believes that both countries can continue to strengthen this cooperation, including through the planned acquisition of anti-submarine warfare aircraft by the Philippine Navy.
Additionally, he mentioned that Indonesia has offered the CN235-220 aircraft produced by PTDI, which can be configured for anti-submarine warfare missions.
“We hope Indonesia can continue to support the Philippine aircraft needs through government-to-government (G to G) contracts as a commitment to a long-term partnership,” he said.
Apart from aircraft procurement, Indonesia and the Philippines also collaborate in the acquisition of other defense products, such as ships.
Jokowi explained that both countries have signed a contract for the procurement of two landing dock warships produced by PT PAL, which had previously been implemented in 2016 and 2017.
“Once again, thank you for the Philippines’ trust in Indonesian defense products. I am confident that there will be even more cooperation in the future,” he stated.
During his visit to the Philippines, President Jokowi attended various events, including a state event with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held at Malacanang Palace on Wednesday (10/1).
Today, President Jokowi received two courtesy visits from Philippine Transportation Minister Jaime Bautista and Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C Teodoro Jr.
After visiting the Philippines since Tuesday (9/1), Jokowi, along with a limited delegation, departed for Vietnam on Thursday (11/1) at 13:00 local time via Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Manila, Philippines.
Accompanying the President on the flight to Vietnam were Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Presidential Advisory Board Member Gandi Sulistiyanto, Director-General of Protocol and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Head of State Protocol Andy Rachmianto, Presidential Military Secretary Major General TNI Rudy Saladin, and Commander of the Presidential Security Force Major General TNI Achiruddin.
