Jakarta. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto expressed his gratitude to members of the House of Representatives’ Defense Commission for their support in advancing bilateral defense treaties with five countries during his farewell hearing on Wednesday.

Indonesia is seeking to finalize defense cooperation agreements with France, India, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil.

"Thank God, we are on track for the full ratification of defense cooperation agreements with five countries that are crucial to our strategic interests," Prabowo said during the hearing at the legislature building in Jakarta.

“Both India and France are nuclear powers,” he noted, underscoring the significance of these partnerships.

As defense minister, Prabowo has actively pursued bilateral defense agreements with several countries. Last month, he visited Australia to discuss upgrading the existing defense cooperation arrangement to a treaty-level agreement.

France, in particular, is viewed as a key defense partner due to its advanced arms industry. Under Prabowo’s proposal, Indonesia has initiated the purchase of 42 French-made Rafale jet fighters. The first batch of jets from Dassault Aviation is expected to be delivered in 2026.

During the session, Prabowo bid farewell to the Defense Commission, as he prepares to assume his new role as Indonesia’s president on October 20.

"I apologize if I have disappointed any of you during my tenure as defense minister over the past five years. My sole focus has always been on safeguarding our national interests and protecting the sovereignty of our nation," Prabowo said.

Defense Commission Chairwoman Meutya Hafid acknowledged the importance of Prabowo’s presence at the hearing, which was attended by all commission leaders and representatives from the nine incumbent political parties.

She expressed appreciation that Prabowo, “now president-elect with 96 million votes, has made time to attend this hearing."