January 15, 2026 | 08:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has asserted that the procurement of defense equipment is not influenced by foreign interests. Head of Information Bureau of the Defense Ministry's General Secretariat, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, explained that the provision of equipment to safeguard the country's sovereignty is based on the interests and policies of the Indonesian government.
Rico responded to the news that the United States has asked Indonesia to purchase maritime surveillance drones made in the U.S. for use in waters near the South China Sea. As reported by The Straits Times, the demands are a condition to lower U.S. trade tariffs.
Rico stated that the Ministry of Defense has not yet received official information or a direct explanation regarding the media report. "Until now, there has been no specific discussion regarding the request to purchase maritime surveillance drones, or decisions made regarding the issue," Rico said in a written response to Tempo on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Rico explained that maritime surveillance is part of the effort to safeguard Indonesia's sovereignty and the security of its waters. According to Rico, in a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador some time ago, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime surveillance capabilities through various means at Indonesia's disposal.
The utilization of technology, including drones, could be one of the supports for maritime surveillance. "However, the procurement of defense equipment is always adjusted to the needs, capabilities, and policies of the government, and is not determined by the interests of foreign parties," said Rico.
Rico emphasized that the Ministry will continue to monitor the development of the issue and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies according to its authority. He mentioned that the Ministry of Defense is still reviewing the information from media reports.
Currently, Indonesia and the U.S. are in the final stages of completing trade agreement discussions and tariff negotiations. According to a document dated October 10, 2025, seen by The Straits Times, the U.S. asked Indonesia to adjust its policy regarding the South China Sea. In addition, the U.S. demanded that Indonesia publicly announce the procurement of a drone system produced by the U.S. "to strengthen its maritime security."
Read: Trump Seeks Record Military Budget of $1.5T
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Pertamina NRE Partners with Chinese Firm on Renewable Energy Project
17 menit lalu
Pertamina NRE considers this collaboration as the foundation for the development of clean energy technology and business models in Indonesia.
2026 AFF Cup Draw Puts Indonesia and Vietnam in Same Group
1 jam lalu
The draw for the 2026 AFF Cup took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Thursday, January 15.
KPAI: Indonesia Records 2,031 Child Abuse Cases in 2025
1 jam lalu
According to KPAI, child abuse offenders mostly came from family environments and alternative care.
Domestic Investment to Dominate Indonesia's 2026 Realization
2 jam lalu
Throughout last year, the realization of domestic investment amounted to Rp1,030.3 trillion or contributed 53.4 percent to the total investment in 2025.
Indonesia Secures 10 Positions in International Bodies, Minister Says
3 jam lalu
Indonesia has been elected as the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council 2026, as decided on January 8, 2026.
Indonesia Lacks 100,000 Doctors, Says Minister
3 jam lalu
To address the shortage of doctors, the government plans to open new medical schools.
Indonesia's Investment Realization Posts 12.7% Growth in 2025
3 jam lalu
The realization of investment in January-December 2025 reached Rp1,931.2 trillion. Domestic investments dominated with over 50 percent.
Over 27,000 Indonesians Repatriated in 2025, Says Foreign Minister
4 jam lalu
Foreign Minister Sugiono revealed that more than 27 thousand Indonesian citizens have been successfully repatriated from various emergency situations throughout 2025.
Indonesia's BPOM Asks Nestle to Suspend S-26 Baby Formula Imports
5 jam lalu
BPOM has requested Nestle Indonesia to halt distribution and import of S-26 baby formula, despite negative test results for cereulide toxin.
Lack of Formal Jobs Seen Weighing on Indonesians' Buying Power
10 jam lalu
An economist identified factors that will increase pressure on consumer purchasing power this year in Indonesia
