US Deputy Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby will visit Indonesia and several Southeast Asian countries in the near future. According to an official statement from the US Embassy in Jakarta, Colby is accompanied by US Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security John Noh on the regional tour.
The US Embassy stated that the tour aims to strengthen US relations with ASEAN member states. During the visit, they will meet with counterparts and senior officials to strengthen bilateral relations between the US Department of Defence and countries in the region, according to an embassy statement on Saturday (8/8).
The visit also reaffirms the US Department of Defence's commitment to building sustainable peace in the region through strength. Colby and Noh departed the US on 7 August and will visit the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia.
The visit takes place amid US efforts to strengthen defence and security in the Indo-Pacific, including through the multinational military exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2028 held in June-July. For Indonesia, the visit comes after Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received Noh in Jakarta in February.
In the February meeting, Sjafrie and Noh discussed defence partnership and shared strategic priorities to support stability in the Indo-Pacific region and preparations for the joint Super Garuda Shield exercise. Sjafrie also emphasised Indonesia's commitment to international humanitarian missions and world peace through active participation in international task forces.
