Prabowo Subianto to Send Military Academy Cadets to Malaysia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said he would send military cadets to study in Malaysia. He conveyed the plan during a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad bin Sabu in Malaysia, Thursday, November 14.

“[He is] determined to build a close relationship with Malaysia by sending cadets to study there,” said the ministry’s special staffer for public communication and inter-institutions relations Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, Friday, Nov. 15.

He explained that the study visit would be a symbol of friendship and mutual sharing of knowledge, culture, and military skill. The minister also delivered his intention to uphold good approaches in dealing with inter-nation problems.

According to Dahnil, Mohamad hoped the appointment of former general of the military special forces as a minister would bring kindness for not only Indonesia and Malaysia but also all ASEAN countries in the development of defense technology. The Malaysian minister also expected Islamic countries in Southeast Asia support each other.

Mohamad also highlighted the importance of the partnership between Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in combating pirates and terrorists.

“Pak Prabowo said that Indonesia’s and Malaysia’s contribution are required to maintain peace and to show that the Muslim-majority countries in ASEAN are peaceful states.”

Prabowo Subianto and Mohamad bin Sabu reportedly would attend the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus held in Bangkok, Thailand, this weekend.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI