Defence and Foreign Ministers strengthen Indonesia-Australia cooperation

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Foreign Minister Sugiono strengthened bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia through a 2+2 meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Melbourne, Australia.

The meeting took place at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Office in Melbourne on Wednesday, with the Australian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

The meeting discussed strengthening the Indonesia-Australia strategic partnership in the fields of foreign policy and defence, as well as the contribution of both countries to maintaining security, stability and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This meeting is the first 2+2 forum after Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the Treaty on Common Security in Jakarta in February 2026,” according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence.

The agreement opens opportunities for Indonesia and Australia to conduct joint exercises, education and personnel exchanges, defence industry cooperation, as well as the development of supporting infrastructure in Morotai.

The Keris Woomera Exercise, scheduled to take place in October 2026, is also one of the main agendas to improve the capabilities and interoperability of the two armed forces.

“Indonesia and Australia agree that maritime security cooperation provides direct benefits for both countries, including through coordinated patrols and joint exercises,” according to the press release.

Closing the meeting, Sjafrie expressed hope that the various discussions in the 2+2 meeting could be followed up through concrete cooperation between the two countries.