Indonesia Signs MoUs to Enhance Defence Industry Ties with African Countries

Indonesia has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the strategic industry sector with several African countries, namely South Africa, the Democratic Re

IDXChannel - Indonesia has  signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the strategic industry sector with several African countries, namely South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal. 

"The agreement involves two Indonesian state-owned companies, namely PT Pindad (Persero) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero)," said Director for African Affairs at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewi Justicia Meidiwaty, in a media release.

In South Africa, PT Pindad established cooperation with the company Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) for the supply of strategic industrial products. This cooperation confirms South Africa's position as the only country in Africa that has a strategic partnership with Indonesia.

Meanwhile, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) strengthened its presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the signing of an MoU for the procurement of CN235 aircraft by the DRC government. 

In addition, PT DI also agreed to procure N219 aircraft for the DRC Ministry of Transport. 

"This step is in line with Indonesia's commitment to support conflict resolution efforts in DRC, where Indonesia has actively sent the Garuda Contingent as part of the MONUSCO peace mission," said Dewi.

In Senegal, PT DI continued cooperation with the Senegalese Air Force through a contract for periodic inspection of aircraft. Previously, Senegal has purchased three CN-235 aircraft from PT DI since 2011, which shows Senegal's trust in the quality of Indonesia's strategic industry products.

"This cooperation reflects Indonesia's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with African countries, as well as increasing the role of the national strategic industryies in the global market," said Dewi. (Wahyu Dwi Anggoro)