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."
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