DND discusses new defense concept with Indonesian counterpart
The Department of National Defense (DND) has briefed the Indonesian Ministry of Defence about its new defense concept with hopes that the latter can help them in ensuring peace in the region amid China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) seeks to develop the country’s capability to protect and secure the entire Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and ensure that all the bounties of the natural resources within them will be freely reaped by the Filipinos.
In a statement Tuesday, June 25, DND spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong said the defense department hosted the Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence for the 13th Philippines-Indonesia Joint Defense and Security Cooperation Committee (JDSCC) in Makati City recently.
The Philippine delegation was represented by DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito M. De Leon while the Indonesian side was led by Major General Ujang Darwis, director general for defence strategy of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence.
The meeting covered various aspects of defense cooperation, including military cooperation, border security, and defense industry collaboration.
“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,” Andolong said.
In response, Darwis reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (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 most recent encounter between Filipino and Chinese maritime forces occurred during a resupply mission in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on June 17 which led to the dismemberment of a Philippine Navy trooper.
The ASEAN is reportedly eyeing to speed up negotiations with China to conclude the COC for the South China Sea by 2026 and mitigate the risks of conflicts in the disputed waters.
Enduring ties
Meanwhile, Darwis acknowledged that the long-lasting relations between the Philippines and Indonesia is anchored on both nations’ respect for each other and a steadfast dedication to preserve peace in the region through a robust defense and security collaboration.
Darwis reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening border security and enhancing defense cooperation with the Philippines.
“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,” Andolong noted.
During the meeting, De Leon also highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, emphasizing the robust and multifaceted partnership between the two nations.
The Philippines and Indonesia’s bilateral relations was officially established on Nov. 24, 1949.
He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the renewed 1997 Philippines-Indonesia Agreement on Cooperative Activities in the Field of Defense and Security, which serves as the mother framework for all defense and security cooperation between Jakarta and Manila.
The two countries renewed the deal in 2022 after it expired in 2020.
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.
Plans for the 4th PHILINDO Military Cooperation Meeting in October 2024 were also 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 by the participants.