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Indonesia, Australia sign ‘common security’ pact to deepen defense cooperation

By The South Asia Times

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Australia signed a bilateral “Common Security” treaty on Friday, marking a significant step in expanding defense and strategic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

The agreement was formalized in Jakarta during a bilateral meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is on an official visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

President Prabowo welcomed Albanese at the presidential palace earlier in the day, following the Australian leader’s arrival on Thursday evening.

"Building stronger ties with our neighbours makes us all safer. Today, President Prabowo and I signed a historic Treaty on Common Security, taking Australia–Indonesia defence and security cooperation to a new level," Albanese said on X.

"And a new economic agreement will boost trade, investment and jobs in both countries. Together, we're building a stronger, more secure and peaceful region," he added.

The treaty reflects growing efforts by both nations to enhance regional stability amid evolving security challenges. Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia date back to 1949, and cooperation has steadily expanded across defense, trade and economic sectors.

The latest pact follows a trilateral defense ministers’ meeting held in December involving Indonesia, Australia and Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. The three countries agreed to convene the forum annually, with Indonesia set to host the next meeting in 2026, underscoring a shared commitment to closer regional security coordination.