The dialogue will discuss the military and non-military aspects as well as a number of traditional and non traditional issues facing developments and global change.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opened the Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD) at the Jakarta Convention Centre, here on Wednesday.

The three-day dialogue is an international event organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence University, held for the second time since 2011.

Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that the forum is a means to promote cooperation among governments in the face of threats and security issues both regionally and internationally, with the theme `Military Operations Other Than War".

The international dialogue forum will be held from March 21-23.

At this year`s event, the dialogue will discuss the military and non-military aspects as well as a number of traditional and non traditional issues facing developments and global change.

Indonesia takes this opportunity to act as the medium of the dialogue to absorb lessons from other countries in order to strengthen defense cooperation.

The event is also being attended by some of the world`s prominent figures such as the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Timor Leste`s Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Xanana Gusmao, and the former Philippine President Fidel Ramos.

Also in attendance are some ASEAN defense ministers, Commander of the Armed Forces of the countries of Asia and other defense officials.

The event also holds the 2012 Asia Pacific Security and Defence Expo (APSDEX), which has various companies, domestic defense industries, associations and leading international industries participating.

The opening ceremony took place at the Jakarta Convention Center`s Plenary Hall, and was also attended by Ministers of the United Indonesia Cabinet, with participants from 37 countries and 500 delegates.

(A050/INE)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012