JAKARTA/CANBERRA: Australia and Indonesia signed a landmark security treaty on Friday, establishing closer military cooperation and new defence training initiatives between the two nations.
The agreement, signed at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace, will see Australia supporting the development of military training facilities in Indonesia and embedding a senior Indonesian officer within Australia’s defence force, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a joint statement.
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“This is a historic moment in our nations’ relationship,” Albanese said, highlighting the long maritime boundary shared by the two countries. “We are more than just partners — we are close friends.”
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.
And a new economic agreement will boost trade, investment… pic.twitter.com/OezVAmwLpr
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) February 6, 2026
The treaty is intended to strengthen regional security in the Asia-Pacific, with Canberra seeking to bolster its military presence in response to China’s growing influence. Indonesia, while cautious not to upset Beijing, welcomed the pact as reflecting its “free and active” foreign policy, according to President Prabowo Subianto.
The agreement builds on a 2024 defence pact, under which thousands of Indonesian and Australian troops conducted joint exercises in eastern Java. The new treaty expands on that cooperation, including new joint drills, strategic coordination, and the sharing of expertise in training and defence logistics.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund head Rosan Roeslani formally signed the document, cementing the bilateral commitment to stability in the region. Albanese, on his fifth official visit to Indonesia, described the treaty as a “major extension of our security and defence cooperation” and praised Indonesia’s increasing investment in Australia.
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Officials on both sides emphasized that the pact reflects a mutual commitment to regional peace, stability, and strong bilateral ties, while respecting Indonesia’s cautious approach to international diplomacy.