TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received an official visit from the Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdurrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Sjafrie stated that the visit was a reciprocal activity following the bilateral meeting that took place in Qatar on April 12 last year. During this visit, a defense cooperation agreement will be signed between the two countries.
"The cooperation relates to the military, education, training, defense industry, and other fields," Sjafrie said at the Ministry of Defense office in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Separately, the Head of the Public Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Rico Sirait, stated that one of the key agendas during the meeting was the signing of a statement of intent as a follow-up to the letter of intent signed in 2021.
He continued that Sjafrie and the Qatari Defense Minister also signed an MoU between Qatar's defense firm Barzan Holding and the domestic industry through the Defense Logistics Division, or Kabaloghan.
"We consider Indonesia's relationship with Qatar to hold significant strategic value," Rico said.
According to him, the signing of this cooperation agreement is a concrete step to strengthen defense relations between the two countries to be more structured, mutually beneficial, and implemented through more tangible programs.
Rico added that at the conclusion of the event, Defense Minister Sjafrie also awarded the Dharma Defense Medal to Sheikh Saoud bin Abdurrahman. The Dharma Defense Medal is bestowed as an appreciation for Qatar's contribution and commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
"The award reflects Qatar's role as a strategic partner in the Middle East, spanning defense, diplomacy, and support for international peace and stability," Rico said.
Based on Tempo's observations, the reception for Sheikh Saoud bin Abdurrahman's visit began with a military ceremony held by TNI soldiers at the Ministry of Defense courtyard.
The meeting lasted for about 90 minutes, concluding with Sheikh Saoud bin Abdurrahman being escorted out by the Women's Military Police Corps from three TNI branches, namely the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
Read: Prabowo Receives Qatari Defense Minister at Merdeka Palace
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Defense Minister Receives Qatari Counterpart in Jakarta
3 jam lalu
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin after delivering remarks at a gathering with retired Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel at the Defense Ministry
Prabowo Receives Qatari Defense Minister at Merdeka Palace
22 jam lalu
Vice Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Saoud, visited Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
Saudi Arabia Expels Iranian Military Attache, Embassy Staff Amid Rising Tensions
23 Maret 2026
Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military attache and four embassy staff following repeated Tehran attacks during regional tensions.
Iran Vows Not to Strike Neighbors Unless Attacked First
7 Maret 2026
Iranian President apologized to neighboring countries, saying Tehran would not target them unless attacks originate from their territory.
Iran Targets Israeli Embassy and Oil Refinery in Bahrain
6 Maret 2026
Iran launched drone and missile attacks on the Israeli embassy in Bahrain and a state-owned oil refinery.
Indonesian Deputy Minister Stranded in Qatar Amid Iran-US War
3 Maret 2026
A group of Deputy Minister of Human Rights and Law of Indonesia officials have been stranded for three days in Qatar due to a conflict in the Middle East.
US Media Says UAE, Qatar Pressing Trump to Curb Iran Strikes
3 Maret 2026
Reports suggest that the UAE and Qatar are secretly lobbying President Trump to limit the duration of military strikes against Iran.
Indonesian Embassy in Doha Urges Citizens to Stay Safe After Iran Strike
1 Maret 2026
The Indonesian Embassy in Doha urged all citizens in Qatar to remain calm & increase their vigilance following the latest developments in Middle East.
Iran Retaliates, Targeting Israel and US Bases Across Middle East Region
28 Februari 2026
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that they have launched missiles and drones toward Israel following a joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran
Ancient Panda-Sized Sea Cow Fossil Found in Qatar
17 Februari 2026
The size of this fossil is very small compared to the common sea cow. Researchers used new technology to re-measure this discovery.
