The bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Pakistan has entered a significant new phase, marked by a notable intensification of high-level engagements, particularly in the defense sector. The past three months have witnessed a flurry of diplomatic activity that underscores a mutual commitment to deepening strategic ties.

This rapprochement began with President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to Islamabad in December 2025. As the first Indonesian president to visit Pakistan in seven years, the trip was a historic milestone, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Building upon a historical connection that predates their independence, President Prabowo’s visit effectively revitalized the Jakarta-Islamabad axis. This momentum was carried into January 2026 with a working visit by Indonesia’s Minister of Defense to Pakistan, where discussions focused on tangible defense cooperation, including capacity building through military education, joint training exercises, personnel exchanges, and potential collaborations within the defense industry.

The most recent engagement saw President Prabowo receive Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and a high-level delegation on February 12, 2026. This meeting was pivotal, aiming to translate previous discussions into concrete, implementable actions, with a specific focus on air force cooperation and the aerospace industry. A key outcome was the mutual agreement to establish a joint working group. This mechanism is designed to serve as a catalyst, accelerating the realization of defense projects and broadening the partnership’s scope beyond traditional areas to include cyber defense, artificial intelligence, and other strategic industries. These successive meetings exemplify a proactive defense diplomacy aimed at fostering constructive dialogue, enhancing confidence-building measures, and strengthening the defense capabilities of both nations.

The foundational framework for this cooperation is the Agreement on Cooperative Activities in the Field of Defence, signed in 2010 and ratified in 2015. While this agreement has facilitated commendable collaboration, primarily through joint military exercises and personnel exchanges, the immense potential of the defense industrial sector remains largely untapped. The recent high-level discussions present a crucial opportunity to finally explore and unlock this potential.

Reports have emerged in various media outlets suggesting Indonesia is considering the procurement of 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan to modernize the Indonesian Air Force’s military equipment. The interest is noteworthy; the JF-17 was the very aircraft that greeted President Prabowo upon his arrival in Islamabad. Furthermore, there is also potential for cooperation in the fields of drone technology, maintenance of defense equipment, and logistics support. Pakistan’s willingness to offer not just sales but also joint development and assembly, coupled with competitive pricing compared to Western alternatives, makes this an attractive proposition. However, it is crucial to note that these discussions are still in an exploratory phase, and no final decisions have been made.

Pakistan is steadily establishing itself as a credible middle power in the international arms market. Countries such as Nigeria, Azerbaijan, and Myanmar have already incorporated the JF-17 into their fleets, while countries like Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Libya have expressed interest. Importantly, Pakistan offers a comprehensive “total life cycle” approach, providing not just the hardware but also integrated maintenance, training, spare parts, and long-term sustainability support. As an emerging player, it presents a viable alternative in a sector long dominated by Western suppliers.

Should Indonesia proceed with a defense procurement deal with Pakistan, it would reflect a deliberate strategy of diversifying its defense industry partnerships. Indonesia is strategically broadening its sources, moving beyond its traditional reliance on the United States to include robust collaborations with South Korea, France, and Turkey. Under the Prabowo administration, there is a clear and concerted push to modernize and strengthen the national defense posture through strategic acquisitions.

The sheer intensity of diplomatic and military engagements over the past three months signals a genuine strengthening of bilateral ties. This momentum serves as a powerful symbol of both nations’ commitment to a strategic partnership, adapting to the dynamics of modern warfare and contributing to regional stability. In a broader geopolitical context, the collaboration between Indonesia and Pakistan is profoundly significant, as they collectively represent a quarter of the world’s Muslim population. This demographic weight provides a strong foundation not only for bilateral cooperation but also for coordinated action within multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the D-8, and ASEAN.

While these high-level meetings are indispensable, they must not be an end in themselves. The critical next step is for both Jakarta and Islamabad to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to translating these agreements into concrete, mutually beneficial, and sustainable defense cooperation. Looking ahead, collaborative efforts in counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism—areas where both nations share significant challenges—alongside a thriving defense industrial partnership, could become the flagship projects that define this renewed and vital relationship for years to come.

By:
Marina Ika Sari is a Coordinator and Researcher at the ASEAN Studies Program, The Habibie Center.

This article was published in ISSRA on March 18, 2026.