Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdurrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani met in Jakarta and signed a memorandum of understanding as a precursor to a broader defense pact.

The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in military training, education and the defense industry. Indonesia’s Defense Ministry said the partnership would involve army and navy personnel from both countries.

Officials described bilateral relations as strategic and voiced support for deeper defense collaboration in the future.

The ministry said talks are ongoing over a draft “Letter of Intent,” stressing that the proposal remains preliminary and non-binding. It added that any arrangement would need to respect Indonesia’s sovereignty and comply with national laws.

Media reports had suggested the United States was seeking “blanket overnight access” for its military aircraft and that President Prabowo Subianto had approved the plan. The ministry, however, said the draft was still under internal review.

Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet Indonesia’s defence minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin later on Monday, according to a U.S. government advisory, with the discussions expected to cover defence cooperation.

Indonesia emphasised that control over its airspace remains solely under national authority, and that any agreements with foreign partners would safeguard its strategic interests.

The discussions come amid heightened regional security dynamics and increased military coordination between the United States and its partners across the Indo-Pacific.