Australia, Indonesia Strengthen Defense, Economic Ties Amid Regional Security Concerns

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's first overseas visit since re-election was to Indonesia, where he met with President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in defense and economic cooperation. The two countries recently signed a landmark defense pact allowing joint military exercises and deployments, with plans to enhance maritime security, counterterrorism, and disaster relief cooperation. Australia pledged $15 million over four years to bolster maritime collaboration amid regional tensions involving China and concerns over Russia's reported interest in establishing a military presence in Indonesia. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their relationship, with Albanese calling Indonesia Australia's most important neighbor and Prabowo inviting greater Australian participation in Indonesia's economy. Additionally, Australia supports Indonesia's bids to join the OECD and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), aiming to deepen economic ties. The visit also highlighted mutual commitments to advancing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.