Arrival – 21 Apr 25

The Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College (MAFSC) delegation arrived in Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia on 21 April 2025 for their Comparative Study Research (CSR) visit. the group consisted of 152 participants and divided into 2 groups. The delegation spent the first day after arrival settling in and getting ready for the next day event in ensuring everyone was prepared for the subsequent programmes, which were meant to expand regional insights and enhance strategic understanding.

GROUP A

Visit to ASEAN Secretariat and Indonesian Navy Staff and Command College (SESKO AL) – 22 Apr 25

On day 2, a delegation led by the Chief Directing Staff (CDS), Col Sukiman bin Mohamed Ghani, made an official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received by Mr Lee Yoong Yoong, Director of the Community Affairs Directorate, ASEAN Secretariat. He welcomed the delegation and delivered an insightful presentation outlining the role, structure, and functions of the ASEAN Secretariat in promoting regional integration and collaboration among ASEAN member states.

Following the opening presentation, Mrs Mala Selvaraju, Head of the Security Cooperation Division 2 under the Political-Security Community Directorate, gave a comprehensive talk on ASEAN regional cooperation. Her session focused on the evolving security landscape of Southeast Asia, key collaborative frameworks, and Malaysia’s role in regional peace and stability through ASEAN mechanisms.

The visit concluded on a positive and meaningful note, with the delegation gaining a deeper understanding of ASEAN’s efforts in regional cooperation and integration. The HOD of MAFSC expressed gratitude for the informative engagement and warm hospitality, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between military institutions and regional organisations such as ASEAN.

In the evening, the programme continued with a visit to the Indonesian Navy Staff and Command College (SESKO AL) in Surabaya. The group was received at Plaza Wiratama for an official photo session and tour of SESKO AL’s core training facilities. The visit featured an institutional video presentation introducing SESKO AL’s wargaming and naval training framework, followed by a guided tour of key facilities, including the SAMADIKUN Building. The exposure offered participants valuable insights into Indonesia’s naval leadership education and maritime defence priorities.

Though no formal briefing was conducted, the visit highlighted opportunities for enhanced bilateral naval education collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Visit To Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia (UNHAN RI) and The Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta- 23 Apr 25

The programme for Group A continued on day 3 by visiting Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia (UNHAN RI). The session was officiated by Major General Dr. Helder Ismat Elhan, Vice Rector for Institutional Cooperation, on behalf of the Rector, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Jonni Mahroza. Participants were introduced to UNHAN’s mission through a university video profile, followed by a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Almuchalif Suryo, retired officer of the Indonesian Armed Forces and senior lecturer at UNHAN. His topic, “Strategic Alliances and Security Partnerships in the Asia-Pacific: A Growing U.S. Influence,” examined ASEAN’s strategic response to regional power dynamics, especially through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

The Q&A session was moderated by Professor Radziah Abdul Rahman, who facilitated an engaging exchange between MAFSC delegates and UNHAN’s academic leadership. This visit reflected both institutions’ shared commitment to strategic education, defence diplomacy, and regional collaboration.

GROUP B

Engagement With LEMHANNAS RI and Indonesia’s Military Leaders at MABES TNI – 22 Apr 25

The visit started with a visit to a prestigious institute, the Republic of Indonesia’s National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas RI). A briefing by Edy Prasetyono, Ph.D., who shared deep insights into Indonesia’s national resilience strategies, the shifting dynamics of Indo-Pacific geopolitics, and the critical role of ASEAN in navigating today’s complex security landscape, was a very insightful session during the visit. The discussion touched on key issues such as sovereignty, regional security challenges, and the importance of balancing major power interests. This invaluable engagement not only enhanced academic exchange but also deepened Malaysia-Indonesia defence ties, reinforcing a shared commitment to peace, stability, and collaboration across the region.

After Lemhannas RI, the group embarked to the Indonesian National Armed Forces HQ (Markas Besar Tentara Nasional Indonesia, MABES TNI). A key moment of the visit was an eye-opening and forward-thinking briefing by Letkol Aries, titled “Strategic Alliances in Asia-Pacific: TNI’s Role and U.S. Influence.” The session explored Indonesia’s significant role in safeguarding regional security, navigating major power rivalries, and advancing ASEAN-led defence collaboration. The dynamic exchange covered critical topics including maritime security, joint military exercises, and balancing strategic partnerships. The visit not only sharpened participants’ strategic perspectives but also strengthened the enduring defence ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, fostering deeper cooperation for a stable and secure Asia-Pacific.

Strengthens Regional Ties at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry and Gains Strategic Insights at the University of Indonesia – 23 Apr 25

On the next day, Group B continued a visit to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KEMLU). The delegation, led by Colonel Sukiman bin Mohamed Ghani, was warmly welcomed by a distinguished team of diplomats headed by Ambassador Chilman Arisman. Throughout the visit, participants engaged in enriching briefings delivered by experts from the Centre for Policy Strategy for Asia Pacific and Africa Region, the Directorate of East Asia, and the Directorate of America. The discussions tackled Indonesia’s dynamic foreign policy strategies, evolving security landscapes, and how Jakarta navigates the shifting tides of U.S.-China rivalries. Key themes included ASEAN’s pivotal role, soft power diplomacy, and innovative approaches to regional challenges.

The visit not only broadened strategic perspectives but also solidified the enduring diplomatic and security partnership between Malaysia and Indonesia, paving the way for deeper regional collaboration.

After KEMLU, the group engaged in an academic visit to the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia (UI). The university prepared a forum with 3 academic scholars from the faculty as a panel in giving an insightful discussion on the topic “Strategic Alliances and Security Partnership in the Asia Pacific: A Growing U.S. Influence.”, moderated by Suzie Sudarman from the American Studies Center. The session offered valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of Asia-Pacific security, the expanding role of U.S. strategic partnerships, and the opportunities and challenges faced by regional players. The dialogue broadened participants’ strategic understanding and fostered stronger academic and defence collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia, strengthening shared visions for regional peace and security. The visit then concludes the CSR Indonesia.

𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗞𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 – 𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟱

As part of the cultural appreciation component, both Group A and Group B visited the Museum Kebangkitan Nasional in Jakarta. The museum showcased Indonesia’s rich ethnic diversity, national awakening, and anti-colonial struggles through historical artefacts, ethnic group exhibits, and curated installations. The visit provided participants with deeper socio-political context of Indonesia’s nation-building journey offering valuable insight into the cultural foundations that shape its contemporary defence and diplomatic posture.

The CSR programme concluded on 24 April 2025 with the delegation’s return flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Malaysia. Participants departed having completed a comprehensive regional engagement across eight institutions. The visit successfully met its objectives of enriching academic exposure, promoting regional security cooperation, and reinforcing Malaysia’s defence diplomacy agenda within ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.

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