KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. WASHINGTON. Lloyd J. Austin III, the United States Secretary of Defense, reached out to the newly elected President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, on Wednesday (24/4) 

According to Pat Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, Secretary Austin had a phone conversation with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto to discuss the U.S.-Indonesia defense relationship, as well as regional and global security issues. 

During the call, Secretary Austin conveyed President Joe Biden's congratulations to Minister Prabowo on his recent victory in the Indonesian presidential election.

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Pat Ryder also mentioned that Secretary Austin and Minister Prabowo reaffirmed the importance of Indonesia's military modernization, and discussed the mutual intention of both countries to deepen interoperability through closer cooperation, in air and maritime defense capabilities.

Secretary Austin also expressed his gratitude to Minister Prabowo for the recent humanitarian aid sent by Indonesia to Gaza, for the Palestinian people. This underscores Indonesia's crucial role as a leader in global issues.

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In addition, Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of shared values between the United States and Indonesia—the two largest democracies in the world. 

"Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining international rules and norms that ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Pat Ryder.

Editor: Syamsul Azhar