Australian PM Anthony Albanese Affirms Indonesia as Vital Regional Security Partner

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasised the importance of Indonesia’s role as a key strategic partner in maintaining stability and security in the region. He made the remarks while delivering congratulations on the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Monday (17/8).

Albanese stated that Australia’s peace and stability depend heavily on regional security, which is directly linked to Indonesia’s unity and sovereignty. According to him, no international relationship is more important to Australia than its partnership with Indonesia.

“Australia’s peace, security and stability depend heavily on regional security, which in turn is also linked to Indonesia’s unity, stability and sovereignty,” Albanese said in his speech, which was monitored via the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal’s YouTube live broadcast.

The commitment to bilateral relations was reinforced through the signing of the Jakarta Treaty on 6 February 2026 by Prime Minister Albanese and President Prabowo Subianto. The agreement aims to strengthen the strategic alliance based on long-term trust and security, while reaffirming the commitment of the 2006 Lombok Treaty regarding respect for Indonesia’s territorial integrity.

On the occasion, Albanese also reflected on the history of Indonesia’s struggle for independence as a major turning point in the 20th century. He expressed Australia’s pride as one of the first countries to recognise Indonesia’s sovereignty after the proclamation.

In addition to offering congratulations, Prime Minister Albanese expressed deep sorrow over the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday (15/8). The disaster was reported to have claimed lives and caused significant material damage.

“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 concluded.