Indonesia aims to avoid ‘poking China’s eye’ over weapons trade with Philippines, walk ‘political’ tightrope

Jakarta is proposing to sell anti-submarine aircraft to Manila even as it expresses interest in acquiring Chinese naval missiles

The planned purchase of the Chinese system is a political move to assure China that Indonesia is not a threat, analysts say

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left) and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jnr. look on before delivering a joint statement in Manila on January 10. Photo: AP

Published: 5:52pm, 22 Jan 2024

Defence ties between Indonesia and the Philippines have grown steadily under the radar over the past decade, but Jakarta’s offer to sell anti-submarine aircraft to Manila has shone the spotlight on the former’s burgeoning defence industry and regional solidarity amid the South China Sea row.

Analysts have also pointed to Indonesia’s interest in acquiring Chinese naval missiles, a move some suggest is “political” to assure Beijing that it is not a threat and to avoid “poking China in the eye”.

On January 10, during a visit to the Philippines, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said the two countries should boost political and security ties “through concrete steps”. He also asked his counterpart Ferdinand Marcos, Jnr to buy anti-submarine aircraft from Indonesia.

The Philippine military said last year that it would deploy anti-submarine aircraft in the South China Sea, given what Manila sees as increasing threats from Chinese ships.

Military analyst Yokie Rahmad Isjchwansyah said Indonesia has huge potential in marketing its defence industry under Defend ID, the country’s state-owned enterprise company launched in 2022.

Defend ID’s units produce equipment ranging from propellants for munitions, rockets, and weapons to various types of aircraft for military operations and special missions.