International relations refers to interactions between countries in the world, in this case covering various aspects, including diplomacy, trade and defense and security. States interact through treaties, conflicts, cooperation and international organizations to deal with common problems as well as promote global peace. Defense and security cooperation between countries at the international level is essential to maintain global stability and address common threats.
Through this cooperation, countries seek to enhance mutual security, intelligence and coordinated responses to traditional security threats. This cooperation often involves bilateral or multilateral agreements. One tangible form of bilateral agreement is cooperation between Indonesia and SAAB, the Swedish Defense Company. This cooperation involves various areas, including defense system procurement, military training, and technology transfer.
The Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Sweden have established a long-standing cooperation. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been established since 1952 and continue to develop over time. Indonesia and Sweden have many similarities in their foreign policy approaches, which of course is a strong enough basis or reason for both countries to continue to establish and improve their bilateral relations.
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Sweden continue to develop bilateral relations, one of which is through the signing of cooperation agreements, especially in the defense sector. In 2015, investment was made in the manufacturing sector through cooperation between PT. Lundin Indonesia and SAAB Sweden. Then in early December 2016, Sweden officially visited the office of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia with a very strategic purpose. During the visit, Sweden offered its flagship fighter, the Gripen JAS-39, as part of efforts to boost cooperation between the two countries, especially in the field of defense.
The following are some of the benefits obtained by Indonesia because it has carried out this cooperation with SAAB Sweden:
1. Increased mastery of technology
The part of the fighter aircraft to be assembled in Indonesia will not only have an impact on the country's defense sector, but also contribute significantly to improving the quality of Indonesia's human resources in engineering and technological engineering. This assembly process not only provides practical experience, but also encourages the development of technical expertise that can support the progress of the national defense industry. Thus, this cooperation not only impacts the military sector, but also plays an important role in strengthening Indonesian human resources in facing future technological challenges.
2. Wider job opportunities
With the completion of the manufacture of fighter aircraft carried out through assembly in Indonesia, it is estimated that it will require considerable participation from local human resources (HR). There will be at least 1,000 Indonesian experts in engineering and engineering who can later be involved in development projects based on the purchase of JAS-39 Gripen from SAAB Sweden. This certainly not only creates new jobs, but also provides opportunities for Indonesian experts to develop valuable skills and experience in the aerospace industry. Thus, this cooperation not only has a positive impact on the industrial sector, but also encourages economic growth through wider job creation.
3. Move technology and cooperation of the defense industry
Technology transfer and cooperation in the defense industry allow Indonesia to gain access to advanced technology, as well as enhance national military capabilities. By creating collaborations with partners such as SAAB Sweden, Indonesia can gain the transfer of knowledge and technology needed to build and update its defense systems.
In addition to enhancing defense capabilities, this cooperation can also support the development of the domestic defense industry, create jobs, and increase self-reliance in the defense and security sectors. The products resulting from this cooperation can be tailored to the specific needs of Indonesia. Thus, cooperation in technology transfer and defense industry not only strengthens national defense but also has a positive impact on Indonesia's overall economic and technological development.
4. Open employment opportunities with other countries
The purchase of JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft reflects Indonesia's commitment to improving defense and security cooperation relations with Sweden, so as to open opportunities to strengthen relations with other countries in the Nordic region. As part of this upgrade, Indonesia can build further partnerships with countries such as Denmark, Finland, and Norway.
Improved relations with other Nordic countries can open up opportunities for military training, knowledge exchange, as well as collaboration in the development of defense and security technologies. Over time, of course, this will not only strengthen Indonesia's defense capabilities but also deepen regional engagement in the Nordic region. The JAS 39 Gripen fighter purchase agreement is one of the foundations for Indonesia to build and create closer and mutually beneficial relations with these countries, as well as create greater stability and security in the region.
5. Awarding of training scholarships by the Kingdom of Sweden for students
The provision of training scholarships by the Kingdom of Sweden for students in the field of Maintence, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) creates valuable opportunities for the development of Indonesian human resources (HR). This scholarship is not only about improving individual skills but also strengthening the capabilities of the MRO industry in Indonesia. In addition to receiving training scholarships for students, the Kingdom of Sweden also provided training to 10 Navy officers to attend a three-week innovation management course in Sweden, as well as a two-day seminar in Indonesia.
This scholarship provides an important foundation for local capacity building in the MRO sector, enabling Indonesia to develop and maintain fighter aircraft independently in the future so that Indonesia is no longer dependent on external resources. Through this training, Sweden made a significant contribution to the development of technology and expertise in Indonesia. Provide provisions for future generations to be able to manage the MRO sector efficiently. This is not only about providing educational opportunities, but also opening opportunities towards Indonesia's independence in managing and improving infrastructure in the MRO field to support the growth of the aviation industry as well as domestic defense and security.
6. Improving stability in the Southeast Asian Region and building Indonesia's image
Through this agreement, the impact obtained is not limited to the national level, but also has a positive impact on regional security, namely strengthening stability in the Southeast Asian Region. With the increasing defense and security capabilities of Indonesia, of course Indonesia can play an active role in supporting security at the regional level. Thus, increasing Indonesia's defense capabilities through cooperation with Sweden will create a positive impact on Indonesia's image in the region. This positive image growth is reflected in Indonesia's active role in maintaining stability in the Southeast Asian Region.
The cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and SAAB Sweden in the field of defense and security not only brings domestic impacts and benefits but also enriches Indonesia's international relations. This cooperation contributes significantly to the improvement of national defense capabilities and plays an active role in maintaining security stability at the national and regional levels. In the context of international relations, increasing Indonesia's defense capabilities through this cooperation creates a positive image for Indonesia. So that Indonesia becomes a reliable partner and has a strong involvement in maintaining regional security. This can strengthen Indonesia's diplomacy, open wider opportunities for cooperation, and build trust with other countries at the global level.
In addition, cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and SAAB Sweden in the field of defense and security also has a positive impact in creating international cooperation and trust. Through the transfer of technology and knowledge, Indonesia can strengthen bilateral cooperation with Sweden. This not only strengthens bilateral relations between Indonesia and Sweden but also has a positive impact on Indonesia's trade and investment relations with countries in the world. Through cooperation in the field of defense and security, it can also be a driver for Indonesia in establishing wider cooperation on an international scale.
My name is Annisa Rahmatin from the International Relations Study Program, Yogyakarta University of Technology, Accreditation "B" Class of 2022. I chose the International Relations Study Program because I am interested in cultural diplomacy and my interest in global issues and international politics. I also have the motivation to work in international institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others. My favotit courses are Foreign Policy of the Republic of Indonesia and International Politics. My favorite lecturers are, Mrs. Lucitania Rizky, S.IP., M.A, Mr. Muhammad Ridha Iswardhana, S.IP., M.A, and Mr. Adi Wibawa, S.IP., M.A. I intend to take a public concentration in the next semester.
