The Department of National Defense hosted the 13th Philippines-Indonesia Joint Defense and Security Cooperation Committee (JDSCC) Meeting , in Makati City. The Philippine and Indonesian delegations were headed by Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito M. De Leon and Director General for Defence Strategy Major General Ujang Darwis, respectively.
In his opening remarks, Undersecretary De Leon highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, emphasizing the robust and multifaceted partnership between the two nations. He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the renewed 1997 Philippines-Indonesia Agreement on Cooperative Activities in the Field of Defense and Security.
Undersecretary De Leon also noted the significant contributions of both countries in promoting practical cooperation and dialogue through trilateral and regional mechanisms, such as the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) among the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, as well as the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.
Major General Darwis, on the other hand, reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening border security and enhancing defense cooperation. He highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations, grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to regional peace and stability.
Both officials pledged support for each other’s initiatives in strengthening regional security and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in maritime security, military cooperation, and defense strategy.
Undersecretary De Leon also discussed the Philippines’ strategic shift to external defense through the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Major General Darwis reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) and ongoing efforts to establish a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea, as essential frameworks for maintaining stability and preventing conflicts in the region.
The meeting covered various aspects of defense cooperation, including military cooperation, border security, and defense industry collaboration. Plans for the 4th PHILINDO Military Cooperation Meeting in October 2024 were discussed, along with the importance of regular intelligence and operational exchanges. The ongoing efforts to review the 1975 Border Patrol and Crossing Agreements were also highlighted during the meeting.
Other discussions included security developments in the South China Sea, multilateral cooperation, the security situation in Mindanao, and updates on Philippines-Indonesia defense cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue working towards peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
The next JDSCC Meeting will be hosted by Indonesia in 2025.
