Bogor, W Java, Feb. 4 -- In recent years, Indonesia has stepped up defense cooperation with key regional partners in the Indo-Pacific. In November last year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a landmark defense treaty, underscoring Jakarta's growing willingness to formalize security partnerships.

Yet this development is only one part of Indonesia's broader regional engagement to deepen defense and security cooperation. Japan, in particular, has emerged as an increasingly important partner, as both countries navigate a regional environment shaped by China's rise and intensifying strategic competition between Beijing and Washington.

Despite expanding cooperation, Jakarta and Tok...