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Maria Siow

Indonesia has signed a new defence cooperation agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina in a move analysts say marks another step in Jakarta’s bid to expand its security partnerships beyond traditional Western partners.
The pact was signed during a meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his Bosnian counterpart Zukan Helez in Sarajevo on January 11, according to Indonesian media reports.
“This visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for strategic cooperation in the defence sector,” Indonesia’s defence ministry said in a statement the following day.
The agreement provides a framework for bilateral military training programmes and cooperation in United Nations-mandated humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, while also opening the door to technological and defence industry cooperation.
Speaking after the meeting, Helez described Indonesia as a critical strategic partner for Sarajevo, citing its position as the world’s fourth-most populous country and a leading military power in Asia.
“One of the key issues is the establishment of a resident military attaché, as until now the military attaché from Belgrade covered Bosnia and Herzegovina as well,” the Sarajevo Times quoted Helez as saying.
He added that Bosnian engineers could share their expertise with Indonesia’s defence sector.

Febry Triantama, an assistant international relations professor at Paramadina University, said the agreement reflected Indonesia’s use of defence ties as a diplomatic tool, while offering Bosnia a chance to broaden its international security partnerships beyond Nato.
“Indonesia’s prominence as a major power in Southeast Asia and the Global South makes it an appealing option for countries looking to maintain domestic political stability and their international standing,” Febry said.
Joint military exercises and the deployment of military attachés are not only “confidence-building” measures but can also strengthen both countries’ military capabilities, according to Febry.
James Guild, an assistant professor at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, said Jakarta saw itself as a “non-aligned middle power” seeking to establish diverse security, political and economic linkages worldwide.
That philosophy had gained momentum under President Prabowo Subianto, who had vowed to maintain an active and independent foreign policy, Guild said, adding: “[This agreement] is evidence of that philosophy in action.”
Jakarta had also been looking to deepen or expand defence ties with the UK, France, Italy, Turkey and South Korea through training, procurement and joint development of weapons systems, he added.
An expanded security cooperation deal between Indonesia and Australia was also announced last year.

Indonesia is also holding talks with China on weapon acquisitions. In October, Indonesia said it would purchase 42 Chinese Chengdu J-10C fighter jets as part of efforts to modernise its air force, diversify its defence suppliers and reduce dependence on Western weapons.
Since taking office in October 2024, Prabowo has continued on his military modernisation drive, which began when he was defence minister.
Indonesia has acquired Rafale jets from France and is slated to receive F-15EX fighter jets and Black Hawk helicopters from the US. It is also looking to cooperate with external defence partners to develop its submarine capabilities.
Gatra Priyandita, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the agreement between Indonesia and Bosnia was driven by a common aim to expand their defence capacity as well as Jakarta’s strategic diversification.
Indonesia was keen to seek new suppliers and partners to reduce reliance on major powers and strengthen its self-sufficiency, Gatra said, noting that it had signed similar deals with France and the United Arab Emirates.
“For Indonesia, it [is] part of its ongoing efforts to diversify partnerships beyond traditional security partners, like the US and Australia.”
For Bosnia, the motivation was also outward-looking, Gatra said, as Sarajevo sought to deepen global ties while pushing forward its European Union accession process, which formally began in March 2024.

Gatra added that joint military training could prepare both countries for collaboration in peacekeeping operations, including prospective roles in Gaza’s post-conflict reconstruction.
He said Bosnia’s expertise in arms manufacturing could complement Indonesia’s industrial ambitions, with potential cooperation between Bosnian firms such as Pretis and Igman and Indonesia’s Pindad and Dirgantara.
“This is important to Indonesia because it aligns with its national goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defence production,” Gatra said.


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The deal is in line with Jakarta’s goal to pursue an ‘active and free’ foreign policy beyond its Western partners


The deal is in line with Jakarta’s goal to pursue an ‘active and free’ foreign policy beyond its Western partners.


Indonesia’s defence deal with Bosnia signals Asian middle power’s clout

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The deal is in line with Jakarta’s goal to pursue an ‘active and free’ foreign policy beyond its Western partners

The deal is in line with Jakarta’s goal to pursue an ‘active and free’ foreign policy beyond its Western partners