JAKARTA / CANBERRA — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described a newly signed bilateral security treaty with Indonesia as “very significant,” marking an important deepening of defence and strategic cooperation between the two neighbours. The landmark agreement — signed in Jakarta by Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto — elevates relations built on decades of engagement and responds to evolving regional security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Historic Treaty Signals Deeper Security Collaboration
On 6 February 2026, Australia and Indonesia formalised a new security treaty that commits the nations to regular consultation and cooperation on security matters, particularly if either country faces external threats. The pact — first announced in November 2025 and now signed in full — builds on a series of defence-oriented agreements reaching back to the 1995 security agreement and the Lombok Treaty of 2006.
Prime Minister Albanese called the treaty a “major extension” of existing defence ties, underlining that it reflected a relationship “stronger than it has ever been” and highlighted the trust between Canberra and Jakarta. He stressed that the agreement would elevate bilateral cooperation to new levels while respecting Indonesia’s longstanding policy of non-alignment.
Mutual Commitments and Regional Stability
Although the full text of the treaty has not been publicly disclosed, leaders from both countries emphasised its symbolic and practical importance. Under the agreement, Australia and Indonesia will hold leader and ministerial–level consultations on security issues and pursue joint initiatives designed to enhance regional peace and stability. Senior Indonesian officers may be embedded within the Australian Defence Force, and joint training and exchanges are anticipated to deepen interoperability between the two militaries.
Indonesian President Prabowo described the treaty as a reaffirmation of the “good neighbour principle” and a reflection of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy, which aims to foster peaceful cooperation without aligning formally with any military bloc. Indonesia’s non-aligned stance — a hallmark of its diplomatic tradition — meant that the pact avoids obligations such as automatic mutual defence but instead focuses on consultation, coordination and trust-building.
Strategic Context in the Indo-Pacific
Analysts note that the timing of the security pact comes amid rising geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerns over China’s expanding influence. For Australia, enhancing ties with Indonesia — itself the largest country in Southeast Asia and a key maritime neighbour — is seen as central to forging a regional security architecture capable of addressing shared challenges.
Lowy Institute expert Susannah Patton described the treaty as largely symbolic — “more about political commitment than binding military obligations” — but argued that it was nonetheless a huge success for Canberra, given Indonesia’s careful avoidance of formal alliances. The pact underlines that both countries are willing to consult and cooperate closely despite differences in global strategic outlooks.
Australia’s Diplomatic and Defence Vision
For Prime Minister Albanese, the treaty represents a “watershed moment” in Australia–Indonesia relations, reinforcing Canberra’s broader strategy of deepening defence and security partnerships across the region. It also complements other recent agreements — such as Australia’s defence cooperation arrangements with Papua New Guinea — and underscores Canberra’s commitment to multilateral engagement and regional stability.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong lauded the pact as the most important development in bilateral relations in three decades, reflecting not only military cooperation but also mutual respect and shared strategic interests. Albanese’s decision to make Indonesia the first overseas destination after his 2025 re-election further signals Canberra’s emphasis on the relationship.
Balancing Tradition and New Security Realities
Indonesia’s participation in the treaty — measured against its historical caution toward formal alliances — highlights a shift in Jakarta’s defence posture. While maintaining its non-aligned identity, Indonesia appears increasingly willing to engage in structured cooperation with close neighbours on security matters, particularly as regional dynamics evolve.
Observers suggest the treaty will not only enhance information-sharing and consultation mechanisms but also expand joint training, defence education exchanges and logistical support links. Such cooperation aims to build capacity and resilience across both countries’ armed forces while contributing to wider Indo-Pacific security.
What’s Next for the Treaty and Bilateral Relations
Looking ahead, officials from Canberra and Jakarta are expected to flesh out implementation details, including scheduled consultations, joint exercises and defence infrastructure support. The treaty’s impact will likely unfold over months and years as the partners work to translate shared strategic intentions into concrete programs and initiatives.
Despite its symbolic nature, the agreement marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, signalling that Australia and Indonesia — neighbours with a long and complex history — are poised to shape regional security cooperation in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
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