Information
Australia and Indonesia announced that they are nearing completion of a new bilateral defence treaty aimed at strengthening mutual security cooperation. The agreement, unveiled during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Sydney, will require both nations to consult each other at the leadership and ministerial levels if either faces a security threat. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained that the treaty will institutionalise regular consultations, promote joint security activities, and outline procedures for collective or individual action during crises. Both leaders emphasised that regional peace and stability depend on close collaboration, with Albanese planning to formally sign the treaty during his upcoming visit to Indonesia in January. The new agreement reflects a deepening of defence ties amid a complex regional security environment shaped by rising Chinese influence.
Australia recently signed a similar pact with Papua New Guinea, underscoring its strategy to bolster regional alliances. Historically, security cooperation between Australia and Indonesia has experienced turbulence, particularly after Indonesia cancelled their 1990s pact following Australia’s intervention in East Timor. Although the 2006 Lombok Treaty restored defence relations, Indonesia has increasingly diversified its partnerships, engaging in military activities with both Western allies and powers like Russia and China. Prabowo’s participation in major events with leaders from China, Russia, and North Korea, as well as Indonesia’s entry into BRICS, highlights Jakarta’s non-aligned approach even as it renews strategic commitments with Canberra.
Source: AFP, Reuters
So What
The new defence agreement between Australia and Indonesia represents a positive step toward enhancing regional security and cooperation. However, its overall impact may be limited, as Indonesia’s involvement in BRICS and its growing ties with China could constrain its willingness to confront Chinese aggression in the South China Sea directly.
Follow us to join the intelligence community!