MATASEMARANG.COM – Indonesia’s plan to purchase Chinese-made Chengdu J-10 fighter jets will not affect its military relations with other countries, including the United States, a senior military official said.
Major General Freddy Ardianzah, head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Information Center, said on Thursday that the military maintains strong ties with all of its strategic partners.
“TNI continues to uphold balanced and proportional cooperation with all defense partners, including the United States,” he told reporters in Jakarta.
Freddy said Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy of being “free and active” allows it to build military relations with any country.
He emphasized that this principle has enabled the TNI to cooperate with various nations through joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and defense technology partnerships.
“These collaborations support regional stability, and TNI remains committed to fostering good relations with all countries,” he added.
On the potential acquisition of the Chengdu J-10, Freddy said the decision falls under the Ministry of Defense’s authority.
“The acquisition of J-10 fighter jets is part of defense policy and under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense,” he said.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin hinted earlier this week that the J-10s would soon arrive in Indonesia.
“They will be flying in Jakarta shortly,” he said, without providing a specific timeline.
However, further details remain unclear. Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, head of the Ministry of Defense’s information bureau, said the Indonesian Air Force is still evaluating the jets’ suitability.
