Indonesia Weighs Potential Deal for Chinese J-10 Fighter Jets Amid Regional Tensions

Indonesia is currently deliberating a proposal from China to purchase J-10 fighter jets, which could make it the only nation besides China and Pakistan to possess these aircraft. Analysts are urging caution, warning that accepting the offer might undermine Indonesia's neutrality in South China Sea disputes, prompt an escalation of military build-up in the region, and potentially disrupt its air force's operational capabilities. One expert has indicated that the agreement could serve China's long-term objectives more than it would benefit Indonesia.

Recent discussions around the acquisition intensified following reports of a J-10 used by Pakistan successfully downing multiple Indian aircraft, including the newly acquired French Rafale jets. Indonesia's Deputy Defence Minister, Donny Ermawan Taufanto, confirmed that the offer to sell J-10s came during a visit from Indonesian Air Force officials to China. Earlier this month, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin revealed plans for sending Indonesian military pilots to China for training on the J-10 and visiting its production facilities.

The J-10 jets' competitive pricing may be an attractive factor for Indonesia, especially as the country is currently implementing austerity measures to fund President Prabowo Subianto's initiatives, which aim to provide essential services like free meals and affordable housing for its citizens. However, analysts have suggested that the potential risks associated with a closer military relationship with China could elicit mixed responses domestically and internationally.

China has made repeated attempts to convince Indonesia to purchase the J-10s, most notably during last November's China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, where Indonesian officials examined the aircraft and received purchasing offers. Donny highlighted that the J-10 fits Indonesia's requirements and is competitively priced. However, experts point out that proceeding with the deal may jeopardize Indonesia’s relationships with its other military partners, many of whom perceive China as a security threat. The ongoing incursions by Beijing into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone have also intensified anti-China sentiments within the country.

In recent years, Indonesia has sought to modernize its outdated military equipment and broaden its sources of defense procurement. This includes a significant acquisition in 2022, where Indonesia bought 42 Rafale jets for $8.1 billion, with the first six expected to be delivered next year.