Indonesia and Australia engaged in high-level discussions in Jakarta on Friday, aiming to solidify their security relationship by signing a defense cooperation agreement in the near future. Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, who is expected to become Indonesia’s next leader, and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles discussed strategies to maintain and enhance the strong ties between the two nations. The objective is to sign a “very significant” defense cooperation agreement within the next two to three months, although specific details have not been disclosed.
Marles described this pact as the “single deepest and most significant defense cooperation agreement” in the history of the two countries. He anticipates a notable milestone in the bilateral relationship, emphasizing the shared destiny and collective security between Australia and Indonesia as the basis for their defense planning.
At 72 years old, Subianto, a former general with no prior elective office experience, is set to assume the Indonesian presidency. Marles, who is currently visiting Indonesia, affirmed the long-standing cooperation on maritime security and their mutual aspiration to deepen their defense relationship.
The recent meeting between the Indonesian and Australian defense officials came shortly after Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell’s visit to Indonesia. Australia has emphasized the significance of Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, through back-to-back high-level engagements with security officials this week.
Acknowledging Subianto’s apparent victory in the Indonesian presidential election, Marles extended congratulations, reiterating Australia’s recognition of Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty. He emphasized Australia’s non-support for any independence movements or separatist movements within Indonesia and reaffirmed respect for Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty.
While Indonesia is often considered one of Australia’s crucial neighbors and strategic allies, the relationship has experienced its challenges in the past. Disagreements in recent years have included allegations of wiretapping by the Australian Signals Directorate, Indonesia’s use of capital punishment on Australian nationals, and instances of people smuggling.
In 2017, Indonesia suspended military cooperation with Australia following an insult against Indonesia’s state ideology at an Australian military base. Additionally, in 2021, Indonesia raised concerns regarding Australia’s slow provision of information regarding its activities as part of the AUKUS trilateral pact.
Both Indonesia and Australia recognize the importance of addressing shared challenges such as people smuggling and trafficking. Marles emphasized the need for cooperative efforts in addressing these issues.
As the two countries push towards signing a defense cooperation agreement, their commitment to fostering a constructive and robust relationship signals a significant step in regional security and cooperation.
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