Canberra has been drawing closer to long-time ally Washington, strengthening its military in an attempt to deter the growing power of China in the Asia-Pacific region. Jakarta, on the other hand, has taken a more neutral stance, wary of the US and much less willing to upset Beijing.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at a Royal Australian Navy base in Sydney, stated that they have ‘just concluded substantial negotiations on a new bilateral common security treaty. This treaty,’ he added, ‘is a recognition by both nations that the best way to ensure peace and stability is to act together.’ Albanese expressed hope to visit Indonesia next year to sign the new treaty.
The Australian leader stated that the agreement builds upon a bilateral defense pact signed in 2024, promising closer cooperation in the contested Asia-Pacific region and including provisions for each military force to operate in the other country. Thousands of Indonesian and Australian soldiers conducted joint exercises in eastern Java months after the 2024 agreement was signed. (ANSA-AFP).
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