Australia-Indonesia Set to Sign Landmark Defence Treaty in January

Australia and Indonesia are preparing to sign a landmark defence treaty in January, marking a significant upgrade in their long-standing security partnership. The announcement comes during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s first state visit to Australia, where both leaders highlighted the treaty as a “watershed” moment for bilateral relations.

The agreement, approved by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Prabowo, commits both nations to regular consultations at leader and ministerial levels on security matters. It also provides a framework for mutually beneficial defence activities and a protocol to respond jointly or individually to potential security threats.

“This treaty is a recognition from both our nations that the best way to secure peace and stability is by acting together,” Albanese said, emphasizing that the pact signals a new era in Australia-Indonesia relations. Prabowo added, “Good neighbours will help each other in times of difficulties,” highlighting the cultural and strategic significance of collaboration between the two countries.

The new pact builds on previous agreements, including the 2006 Lombok Treaty and the 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement, reinforcing a robust security relationship that has evolved since Indonesia’s past tensions with Australia over East Timor. While the treaty’s text remains confidential, officials confirmed it draws inspiration from the 1995 security agreement signed by then-Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and Indonesian President Soeharto.

Shared concerns over China’s growing economic and military influence in the South China Sea and Pacific region underscore the strategic importance of this treaty. Both nations recognize that a security threat to one could directly impact the other, reinforcing the need for coordinated defence strategies.

The treaty is expected to solidify joint initiatives, including military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and strategic planning, further enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region.