Indonesian police in the market for hi-tech Chinese equipment

The national force is particularly keen on boosting supplies of counterterror gear, according to a wish list unveiled at a Beijing expo

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Indonesia is looking for hi-tech equipment for specialist police units. Photo: EPA

Albee Zhangin ShanghaiPublished: 6:00am, 6 Jun 2026Updated: 6:12am, 6 Jun 2026

Indonesia is considering buying hi-tech policing equipment from China, setting out a shopping list for technology ranging from drones to tactical armoured vehicles at a police equipment trade show in Beijing.

The Indonesian National Police is particularly interested in counterterrorism equipment, including intelligence technology, tactical weapons, bomb disposal gear and special purpose vehicles, according to a list of requirements released at a forum held at the expo on Thursday.

Most of this equipment would be used to support high-intensity operations by the force’s Anti Terror Special Detachment 88 and the Mobile Brigade Corps, which combats separatists and insurgents.

The police are also looking to buy intelligence and surveillance equipment, such as intercept and tracking systems, thermal imaging reconnaissance drones and bomb disposal robots.

The force is also looking to buy tactical armoured vehicles, assault rifles and protective gear such as helmets and bulletproof vests, but the list stressed that Indonesia prioritised domestic procurement.

AdvertisementThe two countries have stepped up their cooperation on law enforcement and security since Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited China in late 2024.