Australian PM Sends Special Message on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a special message to Indonesia as the country celebrated the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia on Monday (17/8/2026). Albanese stressed the importance of Indonesia to Australia, even stating that no relationship is more important to his country.
“Australia’s peace, security and stability depend on the security of our region, which in turn depends on a united, stable and sovereign Indonesia. For us, there is no more important relationship,” Albanese said in his statement quoted in Jakarta on Monday (17/8/2026).
Albanese also touched on the struggle of the Indonesian people in achieving independence. He said that struggle was one of the most important turning points of the 20th century. He also said Australians are proud that their country was among the first to recognise the establishment of Indonesia as a sovereign and independent state.
“The heroic struggle of the Indonesian people for independence was one of the most important turning points of the 20th century,” he said.
“And the Australian people can be proud that we were among the first to recognise the establishment of Indonesia as a sovereign and independent state,” he added.
In his statement, Albanese also highlighted the closeness of relations between the two countries in recent years. He revealed that Indonesia was the destination of his first bilateral visit after being elected in 2022 and again after being re-elected in 2025.
According to Albanese, that decision reflects the importance of Indonesia as Australia’s neighbour to the north. Albanese then mentioned the Indonesia-Australia security agreement, or the Indonesia-Australia Treaty on Common Security, which he referred to as the “Jakarta Treaty”. The agreement was signed by him and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in early 2026.
“The treaty makes clear that the best way to maintain peace and stability in our region is to act together,” Albanese said.
He said the Jakarta Treaty also reaffirms the principle set out in the 2006 Lombok Treaty that Australia respects Indonesia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Albanese added that this position enjoys bipartisan support in the Australian parliament.
“This historic treaty was only possible because the bonds between our countries are stronger and more certain than ever before,” he said.
In addition to conveying congratulations on Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, Albanese opened his statement by expressing condolences over the earthquake that struck parts of eastern Indonesia. According to the report cited by Albanese, at least 53 people were reported dead and many more injured as a result of the disaster.
“On behalf of the government and people of Australia, I extend my sympathy to all those affected by this tragic event,” he said.
Albanese stressed that Australia stands with the government and people of Indonesia in facing the disaster.
“We stand with the Indonesian government and its people during this sad and difficult time, as we always have and always will,” he said.