Indonesia-Sweden Defense Cooperation An Analytical Approach

Such cooperation is essential in the context of international relations. Basically, international relations are about how countries interact with each other, and defense cooperation like this is a good example of how two countries can work together to achieve a common goal. In this regard, Indonesia and Sweden chose to cooperate in defense. It not only shows trust and respect between the two countries but also shows that they are willing to learn and share knowledge. This can help strengthen their bilateral relations and contribute to regional stability and security. In addition, this cooperation can also help Indonesia achieve its goal of modernizing the military and improving its defense capabilities. With the support of SAAB, Indonesia can gain access to modern military technology and equipment, which can be very helpful in strengthening the nation's defense. So, in the context of international relations, This cooperation can be seen as a positive step that benefits both sides and can help strengthen relations between Indonesia and Sweden.

Cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia and the Swedish SAAB began in 2015, when the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, Ryamizard Ryacudu, and the Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden, Peter Hultqvist, made an honorary visit to discuss cooperation in the defense field. This collaboration was later realized on 20 December 2016 through the signing of the MoU. Since then, the two countries have held some meetings and activities to discuss the goals, benefits, history, challenges, impacts, and roles of the two countries in this cooperation. This cooperation aims to improve Indonesia's defense capabilities by procuring modern military equipment, transferring military technology, joint research, scholarship, training, and developing the domestic defense industry. The impact of this cooperation included the improvement of political and commercial relations between Indonesia and Sweden, as well as the improvement of Indonesia's defense capabilities. In addition, it also discusses challenges faced, such as the opening of factories in Indonesia by Sweden and the financial implications for the country. This cooperation will contribute to Indonesia's improved defense capabilities, including technology transfer, personnel training, and defense system development.

Cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and Swedish SAAB in defense and security technology development is a fascinating topic to discuss. But before we get into the analysis, we first understand the context and background of this cooperation.
As we know, SAAB is a Swedish-based multinational company famous for its defense and security products. Meanwhile, Indonesia, the fourth largest population in the world and has a large area, certainly has excellent defense and security needs.
This cooperation is an effort by Indonesia to strengthen its defense and security capabilities. By cooperating with SAAB, Indonesia hopes to utilize advanced technologies owned by this company to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of defense and security operations. However, this cooperation is more than just that limited. There are many factors that we need to consider in analyzing this cooperation.

Now that we have a better understanding of this collaboration's context and background let's start analyzing it one by one using the Analysis Approach.

But, do you know the analytical approach theory? This theory is a method used in studying international and political relations. This approach emphasizes rational and logical analysis of a country's policies and political interactions with other countries. This approach sees that each country has national interests that form the basis of its policies and actions. These national interests may include security, economy, political influence, etc. In this context, Indonesian national interests are the starting point in analyzing and understanding the policies and actions of a country. Using this approach, we can gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of this cooperation and its implications for Indonesia.
The Ministry of Defense's direct involvement in cooperation with Swedish SAAB has contributed positively to developing the defense industry in Indonesia. According to Prabowo Subianto, as the defense minister of the Republic of Indonesia, this cooperation will provide new opportunities for Indonesia to develop the defense industry, improve defense cooperation, and form a solid legal basis for defense cooperation between the two countries. This cooperation includes several points, including:
1. There is an exchange of information and experience on issues of mutual concern regarding international political, military, and maritime security issues.
2. Information and best practices and promotion of cooperation between the two countries in scientific research and development and other related organizations.
3. Develop cooperation and experiential exchanges related to support and maintenance of logistics based on mutual benefit and agreement between parties.
4. Supporting the development of defense industry cooperation; these include technology transfer, joint research, joint production, joint marketing, and quality guarantee.
5. Develop and improve military training at all levels, including the Ministry of National Defense civil servants.
6. Developing military medical and health activities.
7. Other cooperation is on a mutual agreement.

The cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and Swedish SAAB is exciting, especially in implementing the Triple Helix concept. The concept involves three essential elements: educational institutions, industry, and security institutions, which work together to achieve common goals. Educational institutions are engaged in research and development and printing skilled and knowledgeable workforce in defense and security. Regarding industry, SAAB plays a role in applying these research and development results to products and technologies that security agencies can use. While the Ministry of Defense is a security institution, it plays a role in using these products and technologies to maintain the security and sovereignty of the country.
Sweden has successfully implemented this Triple Helix model and has brought great success to the country. By implementing this model, Sweden has successfully developed a strong and sophisticated defense industry and has created many innovations. Indonesia hopes to learn and apply this Triple Helix model with this cooperation. The goal is to encourage the growth of the defense industry in Indonesia and create innovations in defense. Thus, Indonesia can increase its defense and security expertise and create jobs and economic development.

The Indonesian defense minister's visit to Sweden is essential in strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector. During this visit, the Indonesian Minister of Defense showed great interest in the Swedish defense industry, known for its advanced and high-quality defense technologies and products, such as the JAS 39 Gripen fighter. From SAAB itself, they showed their commitment to this cooperation by offering 20 graduate education scholarships to TNI members. This is a very positive step because, with this scholarship, TNI members can deepen their knowledge and skills in defense and security.
This shows SAAB's commitment to support development and education in the defense sector. By obtaining these scholarships, it is possible to deepen their knowledge and skills and to follow education programs relevant to the country's defense needs. In addition, it can also learn and understand the technologies and methods used by Sweden in its product development and defense technologies. This cooperation positively contributed to the development of TNI members in Indonesia, especially regarding security. With this financial assistance and scholarships, professionals have the opportunity to improve their abilities and attend advanced education that can support their duties in the field of defense.
A seminar with the Swedish Defence University was also crucial to this cooperation. In this seminar, participants present can get an overview of the latest defense technology advances and plans for the future. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and share knowledge and experience. With this cooperation, Indonesia can strengthen its defense industry and improve the country's defense capabilities. Indonesia can develop advanced and effective defense products and technologies by gaining knowledge and technology from Sweden. In addition, this cooperation can also help Indonesia resolve complicated problems in the development of its defense industry.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense and Swedish SAAB's cooperation covers various aspects, including bilateral cooperation, education, and defense. This bilateral cooperation is carried out through a series of meetings to evaluate and determine potential areas of collaboration. In this meeting, both sides can share their views on strategic policies and plan future cooperation programs. This is a crucial step to ensure this cooperation benefits both parties. Defense education, as previously described, is one area of collaboration that is the focus. In this regard, the two sides shared opinions and ideas on how the procurement of the main tools of the Swedish defense system could be integrated into the Indonesian defense system. In addition, they also discussed strategies related to ASEAN and Indo-Pacific, which are strategic areas for both countries.
SAAB Sweden and TNI have also collaborated in holding seminars to strengthen relations between Sweden and Indonesia in the education sector. A critical aspect of this cooperation is the provision of financial assistance at the advanced education level to professionals from the Indonesian Army and National Defense industry companies. Through this seminar, professionals from the Indonesian Army and the National Defense industry develop their knowledge and skills in the security field. The financial aid provided can be used to finance their further education, such as postgraduate programs. This is essential in improving the capabilities and competencies of TNI members in performing their duties related to state security.

I am Kanthi Novi Kristyawati, from the International Relations Science, University of Teknologi Yogyakarta,  Accreditation "B". Student who started in 2022. I chose International Relations Science because I was interested in studying cooperative relationships with other countries in economic, cultural, defense, and other respects. I'm interested in studying the science of foreign economics where I can tell how the economic conditions of each country differ and how they deal with each other to meet the country's needs. My favorite subject so far is "International Economic Issues and Theory" and my favorite lecturer is Mrs. Lucitania Rizky S.IP.M.A. Then, my plan in the upcoming fourth semester is to choose a "business" concentration because I'm interested in learning more about the world economy, how to better diplomacy with other countries, and how to create more advanced innovations for the country's economy.