October 23, 2025 | 10:30 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin disclosed several key discussions following his meeting with his South African counterpart, H.E. Angie Motshekga. The talks centered on the continuation of bilateral defense cooperation and specifically reviewed the South African military's Health Service structure.

"We have indeed studied the health framework, but we have not yet considered forming a Health Service [unit]. Let the TNI Commander deliberate on other priorities," remarked Sjafrie at the Ministry of Defense office on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

According to Sjafrie, integrating the South African military's Health Service into the existing cooperation provides a learning opportunity for the Indonesian military. Cadets could gain knowledge regarding the management and prevention of sensitive health issues.

For instance, Sjafrie specifically mentioned the prevention of diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, which often present different specifications. "We want to study it because perhaps in South Africa, there are different specifications that we need to learn," he stated.

Beyond health matters, Sjafrie noted that the South African Ministry of Defense expressed a desire for involvement in security matters in Gaza, Palestine, and a deepening of defense industry development. The industrial cooperation will involve Indonesia’s PT Pindad and Rheinmetall in ammunition affairs, focusing on the 6x6 caliber wheel ammunition currently utilized by Indonesia and the 8x8 caliber utilized by South Africa.

"So, we will be...