Indonesia details three steps to strengthen ASEAN defense ties

Photo caption: Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Defense Richard Taruli Horja Tampubolon (right) speaks at the 13th ADMM-Plus meeting in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday (October 29, 2026) (ANTARA/HO-Defense Ministry)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Defense Richard Taruli Horja Tampubolon outlined three steps to strengthen defense cooperation among ASEAN countries at the 13th ADMM-Plus meeting in Cebu, Philippines.

"Solidity is key to regional security, while security is the foundation for the prosperity of countries in the region," Tampubolon said as quoted from the ministry's statement on Monday.

In his speech on Thursday (Oct 29), Tampubolon identified three priorities for ASEAN countries consisting of promoting people-to-people exchanges and joint training, realizing cooperation into tangible actions, and enhancing defense ties in accordance with the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

As an example of concrete actions, he cited the involvement of ASEAN countries and partner countries in the joint ADMM-Plus field exercise, or Exercise Trident Resolve 2026, in Banten in September 2026.

According to him, the joint exercise enhances each country's military capabilities while fostering closer ties among leaders and personnel involved in the field.

He added closer ties are expected to enhance diplomatic relations between the countries and create opportunities for broader defense cooperation.

Representatives from participating countries also expressed their appreciation for the success of Exercise Trident Resolve 2026 in Indonesia.

The exercise marked the first ADMM-Plus activity to bring together three Expert Working Groups, humanitarian assistance and disaster mitigation (HADR), military medicine, and cybersecurity.

Tampubolon also stressed that respect for sovereignty and the peaceful settlement of disputes should serve as the basis for defense cooperation among ASEAN countries.

According to him, the principles must be implemented to maintain security stability and create a balanced, inclusive, and legitimate region.

At the end of his speech, he urged all delegates to make use of ADMM-Plus as a platform for cooperation and open dialogue to jointly address regional challenges.