"I see that Indonesia welcomes Japan's move to offer their products because we do not doubt their quality," Ali observed when contacted from here on Wednesday.
According to him, Japan is currently transforming into a country that produces weapons and other defense equipment on a massive scale.
This is relatively new considering that Japan only produced weapons for domestic purposes earlier, he noted.
However, Ali said, Japan will have to work hard to corner its market share because its products are quite expensive.
"We know that Japan produced defense equipment only for domestic purposes so that the cost per unit is more expensive," he expounded.
He said that Japan is competing with manufacturers from Europe who are trusted and whose price is much cheaper.
Meanwhile, Ali said he believes that Subianto’s meeting with Japanese officials on Wednesday is Japan’s way to promote its weapons and defense products.
He then expressed the hope that Subianto would be selective with the offered prices if he decides to continue buying defense equipment and weapons from Japan.
"I think it is good (to buy from Japan) but with a note that the price must be more competitive against suppliers in Europe," he said.
Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto began his state visit to Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday (April 2, 2024).
He met with high-ranking officials such as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru during his visit.
The meeting was held in order to build bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and Japan in the field of defense.
Related news: Indonesia's Prabowo, China's Dong Jun discusse defense cooperation
Related news: Defense Minister Prabowo to meet Xi Jinping, Li Qiang in China
Translator: Walda M, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
