Indonesia and Australia Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement
Magelang, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles formalized the Indonesia-Australia Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) on Thursday, in a ceremony held at the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang.
During the signing, Prabowo emphasized the significance of the DCA in addressing mutual security concerns and enhancing bilateral relations. “We have just signed a defense cooperation agreement. This agreement can assist us to overcome various security threats,” Prabowo stated.
The DCA, Prabowo explained, symbolizes the commitment of both nations to maintain and strengthen their friendly relations. “I am determined to maintain relations with Australia to be better in the future,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of the agreement as a foundation for future collaboration.
Prabowo clarified that the DCA is not a military pact but a framework for closer cooperation in the defense sector. He further highlighted that the agreement is a reflection of the increasing military cooperation between Indonesia and Australia over the past decade, particularly in education, training, and joint exercises.
Meanwhile, Australian Minister Richard Marles acknowledged Indonesia’s free and active political stance, affirming that Indonesia’s non-aligned position will be respected under the agreement. Marles expressed his confidence in the DCA as a vital step in reinforcing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
Prabowo elaborated on the decision to elevate the DCA to a legally binding agreement, citing the intensified military cooperation activities, including the education and training exchanges at the Australian Defence Forces Academy (ADFA) and the Royal Military College, Duntroon, the planned Joint UN Mission between the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and the increased frequency of joint exercises (LATMA) involving multiple military services from both countries.
The agreement’s finalization followed extensive preparations and negotiations. Prabowo noted that over 30 coordination meetings were held with various Indonesian ministries and institutions since March 2023 to draft the agreement. Negotiations were conducted through meetings in Jakarta in May and December, as well as a session in Canberra in August 2023.
The signing of the DCA marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of Indonesia and Australia to bolster their defense relations and enhance regional security cooperation.
