Australia and Indonesia have just concluded a defense agreement that is expected to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The agreement comes ahead of Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration as President of Indonesia in October.
Details of the Agreement
The full details of the comprehensive defense agreement between Indonesia and Australia, which was finalized on August 20, 2024, after more than a year of intense negotiations, have not yet been officially released. However, it is anticipated that the agreement will include enhanced joint military exercises, personnel exchanges, and intensified maritime cooperation in the South China Sea.
The comprehensive details of the agreement and its significant implications will be revealed next week when Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, visits Indonesia for the official signing. Marles has expressed optimism, calling the agreement the most important achievement in the history of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
This new agreement will replace the existing defense cooperation framework with a more comprehensive treaty that holds international legal standing. Both countries, which share the world’s longest maritime boundary, have previously cooperated closely in various areas such as maritime security, combating human trafficking, and countering drug smuggling.
Marles stated that the new agreement with Indonesia would enable Indonesian and Australian forces to operate more freely within each other's territories while supporting a “rules-based order.” Additionally, the agreement will enhance joint exercises and improve interoperability.
Navigating Mutual Security Without Formal Ties
Although Marles emphasized that this is not a formal alliance, he stressed that both countries have recognized their mutual dependence in maintaining each other’s security.
Despite this, Indonesia appears cautious about the implications of the agreement. Prabowo described it as a significant victory but emphasized that Indonesia remains committed to its tradition and principle of non-alignment, refraining from involvement in any geopolitical or military alliances.
In recent years, Australia has signed several defense agreements, including the AUKUS military alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom, which has angered China. In response to China’s influence, Australia is working to strengthen economic and security ties with Southeast Asian and Pacific nations.
Meanwhile, Prabowo reiterated in a forum last November that Indonesia remains committed to its non-aligned policy, with a focus on maintaining good relations with both China and the United States.
