Australia and Indonesia Sign Security Pact to Boost Defense Cooperation

Kathmandu. Australia and Indonesia signed a security pact on Friday, paving the way for cooperation in Southeast Asia's economy and new military training facilities. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in a press release that the agreement will facilitate a defense initiative that incorporates a senior Indonesian official within Australia's defense force.

He added that Australia will also assist in developing military training facilities to enhance Indonesia's joint exercise capabilities. Canberra is reportedly seeking to boost its military strength in the Asia-Pacific region to counter China's growing influence.

Albanese welcomed the pact as a "historic moment" in the nations' relations. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that the new treaty reflects a "firm commitment to the good neighbor principle and Indonesia's 'free and active' foreign policy."

Currently, Australian Prime Minister Albanese is on his fifth official visit to Indonesia, which is concluding on Saturday. He described the pact as a form of security and defense cooperation and praised Indonesia's growing investment in Australia.

The pact is based on the 2024 defense agreement, which pledged closer cooperation in the disputed Asia-Pacific region. A few months after the signing of the 2024 agreement, thousands of Indonesian and Australian troops conducted joint exercises in East Java.