Indonesia and Australia Sign Landmark Defence Pact

Indonesia and Australia have signed a historic defence agreement, marking a significant upgrade in their military relationship. The treaty, signed by Indonesian President-elect and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles, promises enhanced cooperation in areas like maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Indonesia and Australia have solidified their military relationship with the signing of a landmark defence agreement, described by both nations as highly significant.

The Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed on Thursday by Indonesia's president-elect Prabowo Subianto and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles at the National Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java province. This treaty, though not published in full, represents a major upgrade in bilateral defence relations.

Marles hailed the agreement as "an important piece of international architecture" and announced plans for the largest-ever joint military exercise between the two countries in November. This exercise will also be Australia's largest overseas military operation of the year. The deal is particularly timely as Australia seeks to bolster its alliances amid rising tensions with China in the Asia-Pacific region.

Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to a policy of non-alignment and emphasized the agreement's role in fostering regional peace and stability. He stressed the importance of the nations working together to tackle security threats and promote sustainable peace.

Australia's defence ministry stated that the agreement covers enhanced practical cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian and disaster relief, logistics, education, and defence industry collaboration. Indonesia's Defence Ministry highlighted the deal's potential to prevent future security threats through joint efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)