Australia and Indonesia are strengthening security ties, with the signing of the Australia‑Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement in Indonesia today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, signed the historic agreement alongside Indonesian President-elect and Minister of Defence, Prabowo Subianto.
The treaty-level agreement will allow for enhanced practical cooperation and interoperability between our defence forces in areas such as maritime security, counter terrorism, humanitarian and disaster relief, logistics support, education and training, as well as across defence industry.
This will enable:
- More complex joint activities and exercises between the Australian Defence Force and Indonesian National Armed Forces.
- Australia and Indonesia to operate from each other's countries for mutually determined cooperative activities
- The continued exchange of personnel for education and training.
- Technical cooperation, including in areas of science and technology.
- Enhanced legal protections for our respective personnel.
Australia and Indonesia share a mutual respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement reflects our countries' commitment to upholding the rules-based order in our region.
Australia is committed to working with our regional partners in support of a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"As one of our closest neighbours, Australia's relationship with Indonesia is essential to our nation's security and prosperity.
"The signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement with Indonesia represents the most significant defence agreement in the history of our two countries.
"This agreement reflects our mutual determination to grow the defence partnership in support of the global rules-based order.
"I would like to thank my counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, for his leadership and partnership in seeing the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed today."
