
Strengthening Defense Ties: Indonesia-Czech Business Forum on Defence Industries
24.02.2025 / 09:30 | Aktualizováno: 27.02.2025 / 10:27
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Czech Embassy in Jakarta, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP), hosted the Indonesia-Czech Business Forum on Defence Industries at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski in Jakarta. This event was part of the official visit by H.E. Jana Černochová, the Czech Minister of Defence, to Indonesia. The forum was inaugurated by H.E. Jana Černochová and Vice Marshal TNI (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto, the Indonesian Deputy Minister of Defence.
In her welcoming remarks, H.E. Jana Černochová emphasized the importance of cooperation between two countries in the defence sector. She also pointed out that Czech companies are among the world’s top in the production and development of defence systems and technologies. Meanwhile in his remarks, Mr. Donny Ermawan Taufanto emphasized the importance of synergy between the two defence industries to create innovative solutions that can strengthen defence capabilities and regional stability. He hoped that this forum will produce concrete agreements that encourage mutually beneficial investment and cooperation.
The event saw the participation of 60 representatives from both the Czech and Indonesian Ministries of Defence, including members from the Indonesian armed forces, police, coast guard, and defence industries from both countries. The Czech business delegation, under the AOBP, introduced their companies, products, and potential offerings to their Indonesian counterparts.
The Czech business delegation was represented by 11 companies that accompanied the Minister of Defence during her international visit. The delegation included representatives from both large enterprises and small and medium-sized Czech companies, namely PBS Group, VOP CZ, Excalibur International, Excalibur Army, and CSG as the parent company, Česká zbrojovka, SpaceKnow, VR Group, MarS, URC Systems, Swordfish, and MaxMerlin.
Representatives from the Indonesian defence state-owned enterprises (SOEs), under the consortium DEFEND ID, also presented their products and ongoing collaborations with Czech defence industries. Mr. Tazar Marta Kurniawan, the production director of PT LEN Industri, representing DEFEND ID, highlighted the existing partnerships and future opportunities for collaboration.
The business forum facilitated discussions between the Czech and Indonesian defence industries and stakeholders, exploring opportunities for collaboration and partnership. The event underscored the mutual interest in strengthening defense ties and enhancing cooperation in various defense-related sectors. Both countries stand to benefit from the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and technology in the defence sector. Czech defence companies presented their innovative products and services, which could enhance Indonesia's defence capabilities. Similarly, Indonesian defence enterprises showcased their offerings and collaborative ventures, paving the way for mutual growth.
Furthermore, it was announced that the Czech Republic will participate in the Indo Defence Exhibition, which will be held from June 11-14, 2025. This participation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of both nations to strengthen their defence relationship and explore new avenues for collaboration.
This gathering not only showcased the capabilities of both nations defence industries but also paved the way for future joint ventures and strategic alliances, promising a robust partnership in the defence sector. The forum represents a concerted effort to deepen the bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and Indonesia. By bringing together high-level officials and industry representatives from both countries, it underscores the commitment to fostering a robust defence partnership.
Media Coverage of the Business Forum in Indonesia:
- https://www.kemhan.go.id/2025/02/18/mewakili-menhan-wamenhan-hadiri-forum-bisnis-dalam-rangka-kunjungan-menhan-republik-ceko.html
- https://digdaya.republika.co.id/posts/510114/wamenhan-harap-forum-bisnis-ri-dan-ceko-tingkatkan-investasi
Article prepared by: Pavel Drlík, Commercial Counsellor & Christine Anggi Sidjabat, Economic and Trade Specialist