Australian defense minister urges action on Jakarta Treaty 2026

This relationship is also playing the role that we hope it will play in guaranteeing the security of both our countries,

Melbourne (ANTARA) - Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles urged Indonesia and Australia to move quickly to develop operational steps for the Jakarta Treaty on Wednesday.

“We are very much looking forward to today’s discussions about developing the operational steps for that treaty, so that we can really deliver on our shared aspiration to bring our two countries as close together as possible,” Marles said at the Indonesia-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Melbourne.

Marles said the geographic proximity of Indonesia and Australia means their bilateral relationship has significant implications for the national security of both countries.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the state of our relationship today is at its very best. This relationship is also playing the role that we hope it will play in guaranteeing the security of both our countries," he said.

Marles also met Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Samsoeddin and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi for a trilateral meeting on ways to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

He also expressed condolences over the earthquake that struck the region, saying the area is prone to natural disasters and Australia was very mindful of the disaster.

"Lastly, let me extend my condolences for the earthquake that has occurred in the region. Unfortunately, it is an area that is prone to natural disasters, and we are very mindful of what has happened there," Marles said.

Sjafrie said Indonesia hoped to advance implementation of the Jakarta Treaty 2026 and further defense cooperation with Australia.

He said the Indonesia-Australia partnership should serve not only the security of both countries but also peace and stability in the region.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the Indonesia-Australia Treaty on Common Security, known as the Jakarta Treaty 2026, on February 6, 2026.

The treaty strengthens regular high-level consultations and commitments to support each other in responding to serious threats.

It also covers joint defense training in Indonesia, the assignment of senior Indonesian Military officers to the Australian Defence Force, expanded military education exchanges, and a memorandum of understanding on Australian investment with Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, Danantara.

Related news: Jakarta Treaty 2026 to shape future Indonesia-Australia ties

Translator: Cindy Frishanti O, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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