Australia and Indonesia have signed a new security Pact committing both countries to consult each other in the event of threats, officials announced Friday following talks in Jakarta between President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The full details of the pact have not yet been disclosed, though it was first announced in November during Prabowo’s visit to Australia.
Prime Minister Albanese described the security Pact as a “significant extension” of existing security and defense cooperation, reflecting the strength and trust in the bilateral relationship. President Prabowo said the pact demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and its “free and active” foreign policy, emphasizing that the two nations are destined to live side by side with mutual trust.
Analysts note that the security Pact is largely symbolic
Analysts note that the security Pact is largely symbolic, aimed at reinforcing political commitments rather than establishing a formal mutual defense obligation, in line with Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy. The agreement echoes elements of the 1995 security pact between Australia and Indonesia, which was terminated in 1999, and builds on subsequent treaties including the 2006 Lombok Treaty and its 2014 expansion.