Jakarta, May 4 -- The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has affirmed enhanced defense cooperation with Japan particularly in the areas of defense industry collaboration and human resource development.

"We have agreed to promote substantive cooperation in the defense industry and in the development of personnel between Indonesia and Japan, taking into account our respective national interests," Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said.

While delivering a joint statement with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Jakarta on Monday, Sjamsoeddin stated that cooperation in the defense industry with Japan is a strategic step as it is expected to contribute to strengthening the domestic defense industry.

Japan is considered t...