March 12, 2026 | 09:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is developing an international military training facility on Morotai Island, North Maluku, according to Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
Sjafrie mentioned in a meeting with Australian Deputy PM and Defense Minister Richard Marles that Morotai has a long history as a base dating back to World War II, leaving behind defense infrastructure in the area.
"It still exists, and we will jointly improve and use it," said Sjafrie to the media after the meeting at his office in Jakarta on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
He stated that the initiative to develop the joint training facility comes from the Indonesian government. Sjafrie believes that Indonesia is capable of creating war training facilities that accommodate soldiers from various countries.
"The facilities could support air, naval, and ground exercises," said Sjafrie, while highlighting Indonesia's position that is surrounded by neighboring countries such as Australia and Singapore.
Against this background, Sjafrie believed the country should not block the chance to cooperate with neighboring defense agencies.
"We want this country to be open-minded," he said.
Sjafrie mentioned that several countries have surveyed the military training area in Morotai. He has also directly offered Richard Marles, representing the Australian government, to visit Morotai.
"When Pak Prabowo served as Defense Minister, he also offered it to Singapore," he said, but clarified that the offer was not accepted due to the distance between Morotai and Singapore.
"So we have obtained (war training facilities) for Singapore in North Kalimantan," he said.
Read: Prabowo Meets Australia's Deputy PM for Strategic Talks
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Says Gaza Deployment Awaiting Board of Peace Update
5 jam lalu
The plan to send 8,000 Indonesian troops to Gaza has been met with opposition from various parties.
Prabowo, DEN Chief Luhut Discuss Impact of US-Israel-Iran War
7 jam lalu
The meeting between Prabowo and Luhut also discussed Indonesia's energy supply situation after the escalation of the conflict.
Prabowo Meets Australia's Deputy PM for Strategic Talks
9 jam lalu
Prabowo's personal relationship with Marles is said to be a crucial foundation in strengthening Indonesia's strategic partnership with Australia.
Indonesia Prepares 6,859 Mosques as Rest Stops for Eid Homecoming Travelers
16 jam lalu
A total of 6,859 mosques are prepared to provide services for travelers during Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, better known as the period of Eid Homecoming.
Indonesia's Civil-Military Boundaries Under New Pressure
18 jam lalu
Indonesia's plan to train thousands of civil servants as National Reserve troops is drawing criticism over risks of militarising the bureaucracy.
Indonesia Mulls Incentives for Social Media Age Restriction Policy
1 hari lalu
In addition to incentives, the government will also provide awards for local governments that are able to implement the social media restrictions.
Prabowo Attends Danantara Indonesia Anniversary Celebration
1 hari lalu
According to Prabowo, Danantara is entrusted with the heavy responsibility of managing Indonesia's wealth.
Indonesia Eyeing to Achieve 6% Growth in Q1 of 2026
1 hari lalu
Indonesia's current economy is strong enough to withstand pressure, said Finance Minister Purbaya.
Indonesia, UN Explore the Future of Multilateral Cooperation on UN's 80th Anniversary
1 hari lalu
Indonesia and the UN convened a high-level dialogue on the future of multilateral cooperation, marking the UN's 80th anniversary.
Indonesia May Delay 2026 Hajj if Middle East War Threatens Pilgrim Safety
1 hari lalu
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah acknowledges the possibility of changes to this year's hajj implementation.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5486410/original/015853500_1769586166-Pesib_Kurzawa.jpg)
