Australia and Indonesia have reached an agreement to sign a new security treaty, which includes enhanced military cooperation, the leaders of the two nations announced following talks in Sydney on Wednesday.
Canberra has increasingly strengthened its alliance with Washington, reinforcing its military capabilities to counter the growing influence of China in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, Jakarta has pursued a more neutral stance, cautious of becoming too closely aligned with Washington, while remaining less willing to antagonise Beijing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking alongside President Prabowo Subianto at a Royal Australian Navy Base in Sydney, confirmed that the two countries had “just substantively concluded negotiations on a new bilateral treaty on our common security.”
“This treaty is a recognition from both our nations that the best way to secure peace and stability is by acting together,” Albanese told reporters.
The Australian leader expressed hope that he would be able to visit Indonesia next year to sign the new treaty.
He explained that the agreement builds on a bilateral defence pact signed in 2024, which pledged closer cooperation in the contested Asia-Pacific region and included provisions for military forces from each country to operate within the other’s borders.
In the months following the 2024 agreement, thousands of Indonesian and Australian troops participated in joint drills in eastern Java.
‘Emerging Threats’
The new agreement will commit Australia and Indonesia to “consult at a leader and ministerial level, on a regular basis on matters of security,” Albanese said.
The treaty will also facilitate “mutually beneficial security activities, and if either or both countries’ security is threatened, to consult and consider what measures may be taken, either individually or jointly, to address those threats,” he added.
President Prabowo stated that the agreement solidifies the two countries’ commitment to “close cooperation in the defence and security field.”
“We cannot choose our neighbours… especially countries like us,” he remarked.
“Good neighbours will help each other in times of difficulties,” Prabowo added.
Australia aims to strengthen its ties with Indonesia as tensions in the region rise, largely due to the growing rivalry between China and the United States.
Indonesia and Australia, separated by less than 300 kilometres (185 miles) at their closest point, have charted distinct paths as they navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape.
In August, Australia participated in joint military exercises with Indonesia, the United States, and other allies.
Canberra has also sought to deepen military ties with other Pacific nations as part of its broader strategy to counter Beijing’s increasing influence.
In September, Australia signed a new defence treaty with Papua New Guinea, which will see both nations commit to defending each other against armed attacks and addressing “emerging threats” to their security.