Jakarta: Indonesia and Australia have signed a new security treaty aimed at strengthening cooperation and building closer ties at a time of growing regional uncertainty.
The agreement was signed in Jakarta during talks between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Leaders from both countries said the treaty reflects a shared commitment to consult each other and work together if either nation faces security challenges.
President Prabowo said the treaty supports Indonesia’s long standing independent and non aligned foreign policy. He stressed that the agreement does not place Indonesia in any military bloc, but instead focuses on dialogue, mutual trust, and cooperation to maintain regional stability.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese described the treaty as an important step forward in relations between the two neighbours. He said it strengthens practical cooperation while respecting the sovereignty and strategic choices of both countries.
The treaty builds on earlier defence and security cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, including joint military exercises, counter terrorism efforts, and maritime security coordination. It also follows an agreement announced last year, when President Prabowo visited Australia, setting the stage for closer strategic ties.
While full details of the treaty have not yet been made public, officials said it is not a mutual defence pact. Instead, it is a political and security framework that commits both sides to regular consultation and cooperation in response to regional and global security developments.
Analysts say the agreement reflects changing dynamics in the Asia Pacific region, where countries are seeking stronger partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions. For Indonesia and Australia, the treaty signals a desire to manage differences through dialogue and to work together to promote peace and stability in their shared neighbourhood.
Both governments said further discussions will follow to outline how the treaty will be implemented in practice, including possible expansion of joint activities and coordination in the coming years.