Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met in Jakarta.

Two sides pledged to improve interoperability between the Indonesian and U.S. militaries.

Austin said the U.S. and Indonesia will exercise together more. "We're continuing to expand the scope and complexity of our engagements," he said. "Earlier this year, Indonesia hosted a super [Exercise] Garuda Shield, with more than 4,000 combined forces from 14 countries… making it one of the largest multinational exercises in the region."

The two countries will also expand opportunities for service members to study together. Prabowo noted that Indonesian cadets and midshipmen are now at the U.S. military academies. (ILKHA)