President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin did not specifically discuss the purchase of Sukhoi SU-35 jet fighters during their recent bilateral meeting, a minister has confirmed. The clarification was made to address rising speculation related to the renewal of the nation's primary weaponry system (alutsista). 

"[On Wednesday] we discussed defense cooperation issues in a wider context, not only concerning the procurement of weaponry systems but also other issues such as technology transfer, human resource development, among other matters" Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said in Sochi on Thursday, as quoted by Antara news agency. 

The minister is accompanying Jokowi on a state visit to Russia, where the President will also attend the ASEAN-Russia Summit. 

According to Retno, defense issues were highlighted during the bilateral meeting between the two presidents. Jokowi and Putin also discussed trade, investment, tourism, infrastructure and maritime issues. 

Following the bilateral meeting on Wednesday, Jokowi released an official statement in which the President said he had proposed for stronger bilateral cooperation in economic and defense matters with Russia.

"Putin and I have agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of defense. We also discussed cooperation in technology transfer, joint production, education and training," the statement said. 

During his visit to Russia, Jokowi has also met with business players, including executive directors of transportation and energy companies such as Russian Railways, Blackspace Group, En+ Group and Vi Holding Group. The meeting, which was held in a bid to increase trade and investment between the two countries, was well received by the attending businessmen. 

Previously, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryucudu said Jokowi would witness the signing of a procurement deal for eight jet fighters in Russia this month as part of Indonesia's plan to modernize its primary weapons systems.

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said the Russian-made Sukhoi SU-35 jet is the best choice to secure Indonesia's expansive archipelagic territory and therefore had proposed the purchase of the aircraft to the Defense Ministry, which has the authority to buy defense equipment. (liz/dan)