Jakarta, ThedailyID — Elbridge Colby, the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will visit Indonesia and several Southeast Asian countries as Washington seeks to deepen defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Colby will travel with John Noh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.
The officials will visit the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia after departing the United States on August 7.
During the trip, they will meet defense counterparts and senior government officials to strengthen bilateral security ties with ASEAN member states.
“The meetings will reinforce the U.S. Department of Defense’s bilateral relationships with countries across the region,” the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy added that the visit reaffirms Washington’s commitment to promoting lasting peace and regional stability through strong defense partnerships.
The tour comes as the United States expands its security engagement in the Indo-Pacific, following the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2028 multinational military exercise held between June and July.
For Indonesia, the visit follows a meeting in February 2026 between Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and John Noh in Jakarta.
The two officials discussed defense cooperation, regional security priorities, and preparations for the Super Garuda Shield joint military exercise.
During the meeting, Sjafrie also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to international humanitarian missions and global peace efforts.
