Politics Australia and Indonesia conclude security alliance
Australia and Indonesia want to significantly expand their security cooperation. Both countries agreed on an agreement that binds them closer together than ever before in the event of a threat. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as the beginning of a "new era" in relations with the world's largest Muslim country.
12.11.2025, 11:38
SDA
Together with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, he announced the surprising agreement at the Garden Island naval base in Sydney. "This is a turning point in relations between Australia and Indonesia," the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper quoted Albanese as saying. "This treaty represents a significant expansion of our existing security and defense cooperation." It also shows that the relationship between the two nations is stronger than ever before.
What is the agreement about?
Specifically, the agreement stipulates that the governments in Canberra and Jakarta undertake to discuss security issues on a regular basis and to consult with each other in the event of a threat to the security of either country or a common threat.
Indonesia, the world's largest island state, has traditionally insisted on its neutral position and balances its relations between China and the USA. In the past, there have been repeated tensions with Australia, for example over asylum seekers or death sentences for Australian drug smugglers.
Albanese announced that he hoped to travel to Indonesia in January to officially sign the agreement following approval by both parliaments. Prabowo also welcomed the agreement and quoted an Indonesian proverb: "Good neighbors help each other in times of trouble."
Security alliance also with Papua New Guinea
Australia and Papua New Guinea had only concluded a defense agreement at the beginning of October. The so-called Pukpuk Treaty ("Crocodile Treaty") provides for mutual support in the event of an armed attack and strengthens military cooperation as well as Australia's influence in the region.
Although the treaty with Indonesia does not go as far as the agreement with Papua New Guinea, it nevertheless represents a "significant foreign policy milestone" in view of Indonesia's huge population, economic strength and military power, commented the Sydney Morning Herald.
