Nigeria and Indonesia are enhancing their defense cooperation, focusing on shared security challenges and regional stability. Ambassador Usra Harahab of Indonesia, in his role as Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the growing collaboration between the two nations in strengthening their defense and military ties.
Harahab, a retired Air Vice Marshal in the Indonesian military, discussed how his extensive military experience has contributed to deepening Indonesia’s defense engagements in West Africa. During his six-year tenure in Nigeria, Harahab facilitated training programs for Nigerian military personnel at Indonesian defense universities, with many officers already having completed their studies or currently undergoing training on scholarships.
He stressed the importance of this military cooperation in addressing security concerns across the region, especially in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where tensions with ECOWAS have been high. Despite his military background, Harahab emphasized that diplomacy played a critical role in managing these security challenges, describing it as “a form of war without weapons.”
Reflecting on the strengthened defense relations, Harahab expressed satisfaction with the progress made, underscoring the vital role of continued collaboration between Nigeria and Indonesia in tackling common defense and security threats. As he prepares to conclude his tenure, Harahab expressed his appreciation for Nigerian culture, particularly the famous Suya dish, which he said he would miss.