The chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, Irwan Iding, said that ABDB made a breakthrough by inviting military and defense industry players from friendly countries, including Indonesia.
"This moment is a good opportunity for Indonesia to further strengthen its defense cooperation relationship with Brunei Darussalam. In addition, this exhibition was opened by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, so it would be the right place to showcase Indonesian defense equipment products," Iding added.
He delivered the statement while accompanying a delegation from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to the anniversary celebrations of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces at the Rimba Air Force Base.
The celebration was enlivened by an exhibition of defense equipment and weapons systems by ABDB, as well as a defense industry exhibition attended by local and foreign defense companies.
A total of 14 air forces and 40 defense companies from 9 countries exhibited various security equipment and devices, including small arms, communication systems, and autonomous vehicles, as well as land, sea and air transportation systems.
Indonesia showcased a replica of the Indonesian Air Force’s C295 aircraft and defense equipment from PT Pindad, PT PAL, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), and PT Napindo.
PT Pindad displayed mock-ups or miniatures of products such as the 6x6 Rhino Vehicle, the 4x4 Komodo, the SS2-V4 Assault Rifle, the G2 Combat Pistol, and the SPR-2 Sniper Rifle.
Through its participation, PT Pindad hoped to expand its export portfolio in the ASEAN region and support ABDB in strengthening and modernizing its defense equipment in order to create security in the ASEAN region and strengthen relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the State of Brunei Darussalam.
Meanwhile, PT PAL promoted its proven products, including the 60-meter fast missile boat (KCR), which was developed based on a successful transfer of technology (ToT) program with Germany in the form of a 57-meter fast patrol boat (FPB).
PT PAL also showcased its ability to design and build a support vessel known as the Landing Platform Dock (LPD). The LPD-type ship has penetrated the global market since 2015.
PTDI promoted the nation's aircraft products: the CN 235-220 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), NC212i, and N219. The exhibition served as a good opportunity for PT DI to penetrate the market in Brunei Darussalam and support ABDB's aircraft needs.
The ABDB anniversary celebration is also a platform for the Ministry of Defense and the Brunei Darussalam military to interact with defense companies in addition to strengthening relations with their dialogue partners.
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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Anton Santoso
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