In a significant development for regional security, Australia and Indonesia have entered into a treaty-level defence cooperation agreement. This landmark pact, announced on August 20, 2024, permits the armed forces of both nations to operate within each other's territories.
Anthony Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister, emphasized the agreement's importance during a joint press conference in Canberra with Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's President-elect. Albanese stated, "This agreement will serve as a crucial foundation for our nations to support each other's security, which is essential not only for both countries but also for the stability of our shared region."
The two nations share the world's longest maritime boundary, spanning approximately 5,150 kilometers. This geographical reality underscores the strategic importance of their relationship. Richard Marles, Australia's Defence Minister, highlighted this point, noting, "The map clearly indicates that Australia and Indonesia, as closest neighbors, have a shared destiny. From this moment forward, that destiny is characterized by deep strategic trust."
This agreement builds upon a history of cooperation between the two countries. Australia and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1949, and have since collaborated on various issues, including security, combating human trafficking, and drug smuggling. The Australia-Indonesia Institute, established in 1989, has been instrumental in promoting people-to-people links between the nations.
"Indonesia is committed to its policy of non-alignment and will maintain good ties with both China and the United States."
This statement reflects Indonesia's balanced approach to international relations, particularly significant given its position as the world's largest archipelagic state comprising over 17,000 islands and hosting the world's largest Muslim population.
Australia, the 6th largest country by total area, has been actively engaging in defence partnerships. The AUKUS military alliance with the United States and United Kingdom, announced in September 2021, is a notable example. However, this new agreement with Indonesia represents a unique regional partnership.
The pact is expected to enhance the already substantial cooperation between the two nations. They collaborate in the Bali Process to combat people smuggling and have a history of mutual support, as evidenced by Australia's significant aid to Indonesia following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
As G20 members and key players in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia and Indonesia's strengthened defence ties are likely to have far-reaching implications for regional stability and cooperation. This agreement marks a new chapter in their relationship, building on the foundation laid by previous accords such as the Lombok Treaty of 2006, which formalized security cooperation between the two nations.