Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. What is the importance of the historic treaty between Australia and Indonesia signed last week? How will this strengthen Australia's relationship with our closest neighbours?

Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question. On Friday, the Prime Minister and President Prabowo Subianto signed the Jakarta treaty. The Jakarta treaty obliges our two countries to consult with each other when faced with adverse challenges to our common security. This is the first time we are making this commitment to each other as two nations since the security treaty of 1995, which was signed by President Suharto and Prime Minister Keating.

Additionally, the treaty signed on Friday commits our countries to leader level consultations. That, in combination with the defence cooperation agreement which I signed with my then counterpart, Minister Prabowo, in 2024—an agreement which makes it much easier for our respective defence forces to operate from each other's territory and bases—means the architecture between our two nations today is at a high watermark.

These statements of principle and this architecture are being backed up with action. We are supporting training facilities in Indonesia, including at Morotai Island, and we're encouraging the Indonesian military to do more training in Australia. We're providing opportunities for senior military leaders in Indonesia to be embedded in the Australian Defence Force at a much more senior level. This evening I will be speaking with my counterpart, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, to explore ways in which we can further these initiatives and look at other means by which we can deepen the bonds between our two defence forces.

When you take a step back and just look at the map, what is completely clear is that Indonesia and Australia should be the very best of friends—and now we absolutely are. Given the challenges we face today, Indonesia is located in the most strategic area of interest for Australia, and we provide Indonesia with strategic depth. This fundamental, mutually beneficial exchange is better understood between our two countries today than it has ever been, and it is underpinned by a level of trust which is as good today as it has ever been. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, very much supported by the Foreign minister and the leadership of President Prabowo, Australia and Indonesia are now moving forward together in the world as the very closest of neighbours, as the very dearest of friends and with a shared commitment of purpose and destiny.