Indonesia and Australia signed the Republic of Indonesia-Australia Defense Cooperation Agreement on Thursday, August 29, in Magelang, Indonesia. The agreement was signed by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, and Indonesia's Minister of Defense and President-elect, Prabowo Subianto.
This legally binding Defense Cooperation Agreement underscores the serious commitment between Australia and Indonesia to enhance and strengthen defense relations, paving the way for a comprehensive and strategic partnership.
Enhancing Military Cooperation and Interoperability
According to the official website of the Australian Embassy in Indonesia, this treaty-level agreement is expected to enhance practical cooperation and interoperability between the Australian and Indonesian military forces in several areas, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, logistics support, education and training, humanitarian and disaster assistance, and defense industry collaboration.
Additionally, the agreement outlines several collaborative activities between the two countries, including (1) Joint exercises between the Australian Defense Force and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI); (2) Jointly agreed cooperation activities to be conducted from each country; (3) Continuous personnel exchanges for education and training; (4) Implementation of technical cooperation in various fields, particularly in knowledge and technology; (5) Enhanced legal protection for defense personnel from both countries.
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Strengthening Regional Security and Stability
As Australia’s closest neighbor and vice versa, this cooperation aims to further strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Australia, both of which play a crucial role in maintaining the security and stability of the two nations.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that this agreement is the most historic defense agreement between the two countries, reflecting their shared determination to develop a defense partnership that supports a rules-based global order.
"As one of our closest neighbors, Australia's relationship with Indonesia is vital to the security and prosperity of our nation. The signing of this Defense Cooperation Agreement with Indonesia is the most significant defense agreement in the history of both countries.
This agreement reflects our shared determination to develop a defense partnership in support of a rules-based global order," he said in a statement during a media briefing.
Future Collaborations and Educational Exchanges
An example of the cooperation to be implemented between Australia and Indonesia includes sending cadets from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to study at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and The Royal Military College, Duntroon, joint UN missions, and increasing the intensity of joint exercises.
It is well known that the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Australia began in 1945. Since then, the two countries have enjoyed a warm relationship, although there have been moments of tension and conflict.
The signing of this Defense Cooperation Agreement is expected to foster a sense of brotherhood between Indonesia and Australia.
