Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue today to discuss the strength of the bilateral relationship, security issues of mutual concern, and Indonesia's ASEAN Chairmanship.
Secretary Austin reiterated his commitment to the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership, and thanked Minister Prabowo for his personal advocacy to finalize a Framework Arrangement with the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency to allow the United States to recover U.S. service members lost during World War II. The two leaders discussed Indonesia's defense modernization priorities and how the United States can help Indonesia strengthen its maritime self-defense capabilities. They also highlighted this year's expanded Exercise Super Garuda Shield, which will include over 19 countries, making it one of the largest multilateral exercises in the region.
Minister Prabowo and Secretary Austin exchanged views and concerns about the situation in the South China Sea. Secretary Austin commended Indonesia for its historic steps toward resolving its maritime boundary dispute with Vietnam last December.
Secretary Austin closed the meeting by affirming the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and commending Indonesia's strong leadership as the ASEAN Chair in 2023.
