Australia and Indonesia announce new security treaty

Australia and Indonesia have reached a landmark agreement on a new security treaty aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties and ensuring regional stability, officials announced on Wednesday.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Sydney, said the new pact represents a major upgrade to previous defence arrangements between the two countries.
“If the security of either or both nations is threatened, we will consult and consider what measures can be taken — individually or jointly — to respond to those challenges,” Albanese said during a joint press conference after both leaders visited an Australian naval base.
He added that the treaty underscores the shared belief that acting together is the most effective way to preserve peace and security across the Indo-Pacific region.
President Prabowo emphasised that the agreement reflects a deepening trust and cooperation between Jakarta and Canberra. “Our determination is to maintain the best possible relations to enhance and guarantee security for both of our nations,” he said, highlighting the deal’s focus on defence coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint training initiatives.
The treaty also paves the way for regular high-level security dialogues between military and intelligence officials, marking a significant expansion from the 1995 agreement that first outlined the framework for bilateral cooperation.
The new accord comes amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, particularly between the United States and China. Analysts see the move as part of a broader effort by Australia and Indonesia to balance regional power dynamics while ensuring the security of key sea lanes and trade routes.
Although Indonesia maintains a non-aligned foreign policy and avoids formal military alliances, the agreement signals Jakarta’s recognition of the need for closer coordination with democratic neighbours to counter emerging security challenges, including maritime disputes, terrorism, and cyber threats.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement that the treaty is expected to be formally signed in early 2026 after further consultations and legal drafting. She noted that it is “modelled on the spirit” of the 1995 bilateral security agreement but expands it to address modern security threats such as climate-induced disasters and transnational crime.
“This treaty cements our partnership with Indonesia as one of mutual respect and shared responsibility for regional peace,” Wong said.
The announcement marks one of the most significant developments in Australia–Indonesia relations in decades, signalling a joint commitment to a stable, resilient Indo-Pacific amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.