Australia and Indonesia have signed a security treaty to strengthen military cooperation, in the context of China's growing influence in the region.

On Friday, Australia and Indonesia signed a new security treaty, marking an important step in strengthening military cooperation between the two nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the pact will facilitate mutual defense initiatives, including the integration of an Indonesian military officer into the Australian armed forces. Australia will also support the establishment of military training bases in Indonesia to enhance its capacity to conduct joint exercises.

This agreement comes in a regional context where Australia seeks to strengthen its military power to counter the growing influence of China, while Indonesia maintains a non-aligned foreign policy. Albanese described the agreement as a historic moment, highlighting the close ties between the two countries, which share one of the longest maritime borders in the world. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarded the treaty as a commitment to good neighborliness and regional stability. This new treaty builds on a bilateral defense agreement signed in 2024, which was followed by joint exercises between the military forces of the two countries.