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Indonesia–Türkiye Strategic Cooperation: Take Away from President Prabowo’s State Visit April 2025
On 9–10 April 2025, President Prabowo Subianto visited Ankara, Türkiye, in response to President Erdoğan’s earlier trip to Jakarta. This marked a significant diplomatic moment, not only as a reciprocal gesture but as a platform for advancing Indonesia’s geopolitical positioning—particularly in the context of South–South cooperation and the role of emerging economies in global governance.
The visit was followed by President Prabowo’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), where broader issues of global justice and humanitarian crises were addressed. His remarks highlighted dissatisfaction with the current structure of international relations and reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to multilateralism.
Understanding the Bilateral Frameworks
Twelve Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, encompassing diverse sectors including:
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Defence cooperation (notably joint development of fighter jets and submarines)
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Agriculture and food security
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Health and pharmaceuticals
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Higher education and research
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Energy and mineral resources
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Information and communication technology
Each MoU serves as a preliminary legal instrument, outlining mutual intentions rather than binding commitments. However, they provide the legal basis for further binding agreements—such as joint venture contracts, licensing arrangements, and inter-agency cooperation protocols.
Legal and Economic Implications of Defence Cooperation
One of the most prominent outcomes was the commitment to collaborate on developing the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet and submarines. These partnerships raise several legal issues:
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Technology Transfer: Legal clarity on IP ownership, licensing, and confidentiality is essential.
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Industrial Participation: Indonesia’s defence firms will need to navigate legal frameworks for joint manufacturing and export.
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Security Regulations: Agreements must comply with national and international rules on defence exports and dual-use technologies.
Looking Ahead
The legal community in Indonesia may find new relevance in understanding how diplomatic initiatives translate into legal obligations. The Indonesia–Türkiye cooperation shows how foreign visits are no longer ceremonial—they are mechanisms for generating legal and economic commitments that will shape national policy for years to come.
Stakeholders in law, public policy, and international relations are encouraged to monitor the follow-up agreements stemming from this visit, particularly those related to strategic industries, cross-border education, and digital infrastructure.
References:
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Kementerian Sekretariat Negara – Statement on the State Visit
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KompasTV – Highlights from the Visit
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Antara News – Presidential Reception in Türkiye
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Liputan6 – Twelve MoUs Signed
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