Indonesia, Australia Deepen Strategic Ties Ahead of Security Pact

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Jakarta on Friday, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between the two neighboring countries ahead of the signing of a landmark security cooperation treaty.

President Prabowo welcomed Prime Minister Albanese at the Merdeka Palace, expressing appreciation for the visit despite the Australian leader’s tight parliamentary schedule. He also apologized for being unable to personally receive Albanese upon his arrival at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base the previous day.

“Thank you, Prime Minister, for coming here today. It is a pleasure to meet you,” President Prabowo said during the meeting.

Prime Minister Albanese noted that he had flown directly from Canberra after shortening Australia’s parliamentary question time, underscoring the priority his government places on relations with Indonesia.

He described the visit as brief but significant, held between parliamentary sessions, and said it reflected the growing depth of bilateral ties. Albanese added that a longer visit to Indonesia would follow.

“This is a short but important visit, as we indicated in December,” he said.

President Prabowo expressed hope that cooperation between Indonesia and Australia would continue to expand and produce tangible benefits, particularly in the areas of security, regional stability, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Prime Minister Albanese’s visit is scheduled from February 5 to 7, during which Indonesia and Australia are expected to sign a joint security cooperation treaty, further strengthening their strategic partnership in the region.