Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, finalizing a significant defence agreement between the two nations.
The pact, in the works since February 2023, aims to enhance cooperation on joint military drills, deployments, and maritime security in the disputed South China Sea.
Prabowo, currently defence minister, hailed the deal as a “very good outcome” and expressed interest in broader cooperation beyond defence, including economy, food security, and countering drug trafficking.
The agreement will be officially signed during Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles’ upcoming visit to Jakarta.
Albanese and Marles discussed shared priorities, including economic, security, and climate change cooperation, with Prabowo.
Marles described the defence pact as a milestone agreement, enabling greater interoperability and cooperation between the two nations.
Prabowo’s presidency is expected to bring a stronger focus on foreign affairs, but concerns linger over his human rights record, including allegations of kidnapping and atrocities in East Timor.
Human Rights Watch urged Albanese to press Prabowo on Indonesia’s human rights record, including religious freedom and LGBTQ rights.
The agreement marks a significant step in Australia-Indonesia relations, with potential implications for regional security and cooperation.
Prabowo’s commitment to maintaining good neighbourly relations with Australia was evident, but his human rights record remains a concern that needs to be addressed.
