Australia and Indonesia Sign Landmark Defence and Security Treaty

Australia and Indonesia have taken a major step forward in their military partnership with the signing of a new Treaty on Common Security, reflecting deepening cooperation between the two neighbouring nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

On 6 February 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese formalised the agreement at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

The new treaty builds on decades of evolving security relations and marks one of the strongest defence ties between Canberra and Jakarta in recent history.

The Treaty on Common Security is designed to expand and strengthen defence cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, both of which see regional stability as a key priority.

It echoes earlier collaborations, including the Lombok Treaty of 2006 and later agreements on defence cooperation, while updating the framework to address modern security challenges.

Prime Minister Albanese described the agreement as a “historic moment” and a sign of deep mutual trust, saying that Australia and Indonesia share one of the world’s longest maritime borders and have much to gain from stronger defence ties.

President Prabowo said the treaty reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to working together to safeguard national security and contribute to peace and stability across the wider Indo-Pacific region.

The full text of the treaty has not yet been publicly released, but officials from both governments say it will involve a range of new activities and mechanisms for ongoing cooperation.

Canberra and Jakarta will consult regularly at leader and ministerial levels on matters affecting common security interests.

Both countries have committed to coordination and consultation in the face of security challenges that could impact either nation.

Provisions will support mutually beneficial cooperative activities in the defence field, including joint training and information sharing.

Officials have also announced plans for new defence initiatives, such as supporting joint military training facilities and expanding military education exchanges. There is discussion of embedding a senior Indonesian military officer within the Australian Defence Force to reinforce cooperation and trust between the two militaries.

Prime Minister of Australia

Not a Military Alliance But a Strong Partnership

Despite the strong language of cooperation, Indonesian officials have clarified that the treaty is not a mutual defence pact or formal military alliance. Instead, it is intended as a structured mechanism for regular consultation and cooperation on security issues, tailored to respect Indonesia’s longstanding non-aligned foreign policy.

Foreign Minister Sugiono of Indonesia emphasised that the treaty does not require either nation to automatically treat a threat to the other as a shared or collective threat.

The focus is on dialogue, transparency, and cooperation without altering each country’s existing defence postures.

The signing of the treaty comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tension in the Indo-Pacific, with rising strategic competition and concerns about stability in the region.

Australia has been expanding its network of defence partnerships, including recent agreements with Papua New Guinea and ongoing collaboration with regional allies.

For Indonesia, strengthening ties with Australia supports its own approach to regional diplomacy balancing relationships with multiple global powers while safeguarding its sovereignty and economic development.