Australia highlights Indonesia's role in maintaining regional security

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has highlighted the importance of Indonesia’s role as Australia’s partner in maintaining regional security.

He made the remarks as part of his message on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

“Australia’s peace, security, and stability depend heavily on regional security, which in turn is linked to the unity, stability, and sovereignty of Indonesia. For us, there is no more important relationship than this partnership with Indonesia,” PM Albanese said in his speech at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Monday.

In a live broadcast on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal YouTube page, monitored by Antara from Jakarta on Monday, Albanese said this commitment was demonstrated by making Indonesia the destination of his first overseas visit after being elected as Australia’s Prime Minister in 2022 and again in 2025.

“The agreement reinforces that the best way to maintain peace and stability in our region is through joint action. This treaty also reaffirms the commitment in the 2006 Lombok Treaty that Australia unequivocally respects Indonesia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he stressed.

“I extend my best wishes and most sincere congratulations to our neighbouring country on its independence anniversary today,” Albanese said.

He also expressed his condolences and deep sorrow over the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency in East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday (15/8), which resulted in a number of fatalities, injuries, and material losses in several surrounding cities and regencies.

“We always stand with the people and Government of Indonesia in this time of grief and hardship, as we always have and always will,” Albanese said.