President Jokowi Lauds Philippines for Procuring Indonesia’s Defense Products

President Jokowi receives a courtesy call from Defense Minister of the Philippines, Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C Teodoro Jr, on Thursday (01/11). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo conveyed appreciation to the Philippine Government for its trust to procure Indonesian-made products, including primary weapons system (Alutsista).

The statement was made by the President when receiving a courtesy call from Defense Minister of the Philippines, Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C Teodoro Jr, at Peninsula Manila Hotel, Manila, the Philippines, on Thursday (01/11).

“I appreciate trust of the Philippines Defense Department in products made by the Indonesian State-owned Enterprises, particularly primary weapons system such as planes and ships,” he said.

The President also said that cooperation between the two countries to procure planes has long been established. Currently, he added, procurement of six units of NC212i aircraft manufactured by state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is on process.

“This is not the first time; we have established the cooperation for 38 years. In 2018, PTDI shipped 2 units of NC212i aircraft,” he said.

Moreover, he expressed belief that both countries will continue to enhance the cooperation through plans to acquire anti-submarine warfare aircraft by the Philippine navy. Indonesia has also offered the Philippines CN2335-220 aircraft produced by PTDI which can be configured to carry out anti-submarine warfare missions.

“We hope that Indonesia can further support to meet the Philippines’ demands for aircrafts through G-to-G direct contract to affirm our long-term commitment,” he added.

In addition to procuring aircraft, Indonesia and the Philippines are also collaborating in procuring ship by inking procurement contract of two dock landing ship manufactured by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL in 2016 and 2017.

“Once again, thank you for your trust in Indonesia’s defense products. I believe we will have more cooperation in the future,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RAS/MUR)