Australia and Indonesia Seal New Security Treaty Marking Strategic Milestone
Canberra and Jakarta agree to consult when either faces threat, deepening bilateral defense ties ahead of formal signing
Australia and Indonesia have reached a landmark agreement under which the two neighbours commit to regular high-level consultation and joint consideration of security threats, signalling a significant upgrade in their defence relationship.
During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s first state visit to Australia, he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the pact in Sydney.
Under the terms, Australia and Indonesia will engage leaders and ministers in routine security dialogue and will, if one or both countries’ security is threatened, consult and consider what measures to take — either individually or together — in response.
Prime Minister Albanese described the treaty as a “major extension” of previous arrangements and said the move reflected the shared view that the best way to secure regional peace is by acting in partnership.
President Prabowo emphasised Indonesia’s intent to sustain “the best of relationships” with its neighbour and underscored the cultural notion that when trouble comes, a good neighbour steps in to help.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the agreement is modelled on a 1995 security treaty and is expected to be formally signed during Australia’s prime ministerial visit to Indonesia in January next year.
While the pact does not bind the parties to automatic military intervention, Australia and Indonesia view the pact as a significant strategic signal of closer cooperation and mutual trust.
The treaty builds on earlier frameworks including the 2006 Lombok Treaty and the 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement, and comes amid growing focus on Indo-Pacific security and the need for stronger regional partnerships.
Analysts note that although the agreement stops short of a full defence alliance, it marks a clear step toward deeper alignment between Australia and Indonesia.
As Jakarta pursues a non-aligned foreign policy, the pact reflects both countries’ intent to strengthen bilateral ties without committing to traditional bloc obligations.
The announcement took place aboard an Australian naval vessel and underscores the maritime dimension of the partnership.
For Australia, the treaty reinforces its strategy of engaging key regional neighbours; for Indonesia, it enhances defence cooperation while retaining its policy independence.
The formal signing next year will usher in a new chapter of security collaboration for the two countries.
During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s first state visit to Australia, he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the pact in Sydney.
Under the terms, Australia and Indonesia will engage leaders and ministers in routine security dialogue and will, if one or both countries’ security is threatened, consult and consider what measures to take — either individually or together — in response.
Prime Minister Albanese described the treaty as a “major extension” of previous arrangements and said the move reflected the shared view that the best way to secure regional peace is by acting in partnership.
President Prabowo emphasised Indonesia’s intent to sustain “the best of relationships” with its neighbour and underscored the cultural notion that when trouble comes, a good neighbour steps in to help.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the agreement is modelled on a 1995 security treaty and is expected to be formally signed during Australia’s prime ministerial visit to Indonesia in January next year.
While the pact does not bind the parties to automatic military intervention, Australia and Indonesia view the pact as a significant strategic signal of closer cooperation and mutual trust.
The treaty builds on earlier frameworks including the 2006 Lombok Treaty and the 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement, and comes amid growing focus on Indo-Pacific security and the need for stronger regional partnerships.
Analysts note that although the agreement stops short of a full defence alliance, it marks a clear step toward deeper alignment between Australia and Indonesia.
As Jakarta pursues a non-aligned foreign policy, the pact reflects both countries’ intent to strengthen bilateral ties without committing to traditional bloc obligations.
The announcement took place aboard an Australian naval vessel and underscores the maritime dimension of the partnership.
For Australia, the treaty reinforces its strategy of engaging key regional neighbours; for Indonesia, it enhances defence cooperation while retaining its policy independence.
The formal signing next year will usher in a new chapter of security collaboration for the two countries.
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