Jakarta/Canberra: Indonesia and Australia have finalized a landmark bilateral defense treaty designed to enhance military cooperation and operational integration between the two nations. The agreement was solidified during a meeting between Indonesian President-elect and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Australian officials at Parliament earlier today.

This new treaty is particularly significant as Australia faces rising tensions with China. Australian Prime Ministers often prioritize Jakarta in their early foreign visits, highlighting the growing importance of this relationship.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles announced that the treaty would be officially signed in the coming days during his visit to Jakarta. Marles emphasized the importance of the agreement for both countries' national security, noting that it would facilitate greater interoperability between their defense forces. He explained that the pact would lead to more joint exercises, enhance cooperation in maintaining global rules, and allow military operations within each other’s territories.

"This agreement represents the deepest and most significant pact our two countries have ever established," Marles said.

Subianto, who is set to lead Indonesia as President, described the treaty as a resolution of various legal complexities and a major step forward in defense collaboration between Indonesia and Australia.

Despite the optimism, some analysts, like Euan Graham from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, have raised concerns about the strategic impact of the treaty. Graham noted that Indonesia's non-aligned stance under Subianto's leadership could limit the treaty's effectiveness, particularly given differing threat perceptions towards China.

With Indonesia’s population of approximately 275 million vastly outnumbering Australia’s 27 million, the treaty reflects a deepening of bilateral ties. Subianto’s visit to Canberra, his first since his presidential election, was marked by his acknowledgment of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's early congratulations and expressed commitment to strengthening the neighborly relationship.

Albanese also expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming inauguration of Subianto in October and highlighted the ongoing efforts to deepen economic ties that will continue under Subianto’s administration.

Taiwan Flexes Missile Power with Live-Fire Demonstrations Amid Rising Tensions with China

India and Japan Set to Strengthen Naval Defense Ties with New Antenna Deal

Kamikawa Yoko's New Delhi Visit: Key 2+2 Talks to Strengthen India-Japan Relations