Australia-Indonesia to sign 'watershed' security pact as Anthony Albanese, Penny Wong fly to Jakarta
Australia's relationship with Indonesia will face greater difficulty despite deepening security ties with the strategically located partner, experts warn.
A deepening security relationship with Indonesia will lead to issues arising for Australia as its “northern shield” walks back democratic rights, an expert says.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flown to Jakarta where he will meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to sign a “watershed” security treaty.
The details of the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, announced last November, have remained largely hidden.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Melbourne University’s Tim Lindsey, a leading expert on Indonesian law, described the increasing visits to the Southeast Asian nation as positive.
But he warned greater ties with Australia’s “northern shield” would not make the relationship easier for Canberra.
“Indonesia’s slide away from liberal democracy and towards authoritarianism presents new challenges for an Australian government which must interact with Indonesia,” Professor Lindsey told AAP.
A draft law put forward by the Indonesian Government against disinformation and foreign propaganda could lead to a crackdown on civil society groups.
This could lead to a scenario where Indonesians in Australia are targeted, Prof Lindsey said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong is joining Mr Albanese, and will meet with her Indonesian counterpart Sugiono during the visit.
Indonesia has long upheld a foreign policy of non-alignment to avoid being entangled in conflicts.
Mr Albanese’s trip will be his fifth as Prime Minister, and second since his re-election in 2025, opting to make Indonesia the first country he visited after retaining office.
“This treaty is a proud moment in the shared history of Australia and Indonesia,” the prime minister told parliament ahead of his departure on Thursday.
“It will ensure that we work together to shape a better future, securing our shared place in the world, so that we can secure the best outcome for those we serve here at home.”
Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Gatra Priyandita said the agreement could be seen as a positive step in the context of the broader bilateral relationship.
“There is going to be no element concerning mutual commitment to each other’s security,” he said.
Dr Priyandita said Indonesia remained “very allergic” to the idea of defence alliances to preserve its non-alignment policy.
President Prabowo is facing domestic criticism over the perceived deviation from that norm.
Senator Wong said the step taken marked the most important in strengthening the partnership in 30 years.
“In these uncertain times, this is a demonstration of the importance we place on our relationship and the respect we have for each other,” she said.
