JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received senior United States defense policy official Elbridge Colby and his delegation at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 12. As a result, the two countries sought to deepen their bilateral relationship and strategic partnership.

Colby serves as the US undersecretary of war for policy. In that role, he acts as the principal policy adviser to the US Secretary of War on defense and foreign policy. He oversees the implementation of Washington’s National Defense Strategy. He also represents the department in engagements with foreign governments, according to his official US government biography.

The palace described Wednesday’s talks as warm and constructive. Prabowo and the US delegation discussed ways to expand cooperation and maintain the momentum of the two countries’ developing relationship.

The United States expressed optimism about building stronger relations with Indonesia based on mutual respect and an equal partnership.

Neither government immediately released a detailed list of sectors discussed. The Palace did not announce a new agreement after the meeting.

Colby’s visit comes as Jakarta and Washington expand their defense engagement while Indonesia maintains its independent and active foreign policy.

In April 2026, the two governments announced that they had elevated their defense relationship to a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership.

The framework covers defense modernization, next-generation technology, operational readiness and stronger links between personnel from both countries.

Indonesia’s Defense Ministry said the partnership must respect national sovereignty, domestic law and Indonesia’s independent foreign policy.

It also stressed that any future project would undergo official government procedures and must provide tangible benefits to the country. Details of the framework are available from the Indonesian Defense Ministry.

The two countries have also been preparing for Super Garuda Shield 2026. This is a large-scale joint exercise scheduled for August and expected to involve thousands of military personnel from Indonesia, the United States and regional partners.

Indonesian officials have described the exercise as part of broader efforts to improve military readiness and support Indo-Pacific stability.

The bilateral relationship also covers trade, investment and energy. A US-Indonesia business forum held in Washington in February 2026 generated reported trade and investment commitments worth $38.4 billion. This was according to Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

The latest palace meeting reflects efforts by both governments to connect their security relationship with wider cooperation in areas of shared interest.

It also gives Prabowo and Washington’s senior defense policy leadership a direct channel for discussing priorities. This is especially important amid changing regional and global conditions.

Both sides expect the talks to reinforce the foundation of Indonesia-US relations and encourage closer, constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation. The practical outcome will depend on the specific programs and follow-up measures announced after the visit.