On February 12, 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, the Chief of The Air Staff of Pakistan, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The meeting aimed to fortify bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of air force collaboration and aerospace industry cooperation.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu arrived at the Presidential Palace around 16:03 local time, dressed in military uniform and traveling in a vehicle bearing the insignia of the Indonesian Air Force. However, as of this report, there has been no official statement regarding the specifics of Sidhu’s visit.
Strengthening Military Cooperation
This visit follows Sidhu’s earlier trip to Pakistan in January 2026, indicating a continued commitment to enhancing defense partnerships. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Sidhu also met with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, along with the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, General Agus Subiyanto, and other military leaders at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, Jakarta, on February 10, 2026.
The discussions during these meetings focused on practical steps to realize concrete cooperation, which includes the establishment of a joint working group. This initiative is intended to expedite the implementation of collaborative projects between Indonesia and Pakistan, particularly in the air force sector.
Both nations have expressed their commitment to bolstering their military capabilities through shared knowledge and resources. The formation of this working group signifies a strategic move toward enhanced defense readiness and collaboration in the aerospace industry.
As Indonesia and Pakistan continue to navigate their defense strategies, this meeting serves as a pivotal point in fostering a robust partnership that could lead to significant advancements in military cooperation and technological exchange.
