The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Badan Intelijen Strategis of Tentara Nasional Indonesia are mulling the strengthening of their defense and maritime security within the southern frontiers.

BAIS-TNI Chief Lt. Gen. Edy Sutomo Rudianto, who visited the AFP's Western Mindanao Command on Thursday discussed the topic with WestMinCom Chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario who welcomed him at the headquarters at Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Both countries have agreed to engage in diplomatic relations — enjoying cordial bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding since 1949.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to renew a 1997 defense and security deal with the Indonesian government during his state visit to the fellow archipelagic state next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.
In press conference, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the agreement has expired in 2020.

It served as the mother framework for all defense and security cooperation between Jakarta and Manila.

"The active defense and military engagement between our two countries – the Philippines and Indonesia – is really anchored on a 1997 cooperative agreement in the field of defense and security or what is called the DSCA," said Daza.

She said the renewal would be "significant" as defense cooperation between the two countries has increased through the years.

Marcos will travel to Indonesia on 4 September and will stay there until 6 September.