RI invites China military to join Heping Garuda drill with TNI
The expanded defense ties also cover troop exchanges down to enlisted ranks and military education in China.
Indonesia has invited China’s armed forces to join the Heping Garuda joint exercise with TNI, as the two countries broaden defense cooperation. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin delivered the invitation during a joint news conference with China Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the Defense Ministry office in Jakarta on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. Beyond the drill, Sjafrie said both sides will expand troop exchanges in TNI from officer level to noncommissioned officers and enlisted ranks, including opportunities for military education in China. The cooperation also covers the defense industry. Sjafrie said Indonesia and China have maintained close ties for 19 years, while Dong Jun urged stronger security and development cooperation under President Prabowo Subianto and President Xi Jinping.
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