Australian Deputy Prime Minister Meets Indonesian Defence Minister

JAKARTA — Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles visited the Indonesian Defence Ministry in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

According to Kompas.com’s observations, Marles and his delegation arrived at the entrance of the Aula Bhinneka Tunggal Ika hall at the Defence Ministry at approximately 09.04 Western Indonesian Time.

Marles, dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and red tie, was immediately welcomed by Defence Minister Sjafrie, who wore a cream-coloured suit. The two officials shook hands and posed for photographs before entering the meeting room.

This was not the first meeting between Sjafrie and Marles. The Australian Defence Minister had previously visited the Defence Ministry on 5 June 2025.

During the meeting, Defence Minister Sjafrie stated that the two nations would utilise the Morotai training facility in Maluku for joint training exercises between the Indonesian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Sjafrie asserted that the cooperation would have a positive impact on bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia, and would strengthen Indonesia’s security stability in the region.