During a recent visit to Australia, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, celebrated a significant treaty that enhances the security and defense partnership between the two nations. Both leaders donned matching caps as they underscored the treaty’s role as a “major extension” of their collaborative efforts in these domains.

Albanese emphasized the importance of mutual support, saying, “In times of difficulty, good neighbors are there to lend a hand. In Indonesian culture, we have a saying: ‘when facing an emergency, it is our neighbor who will help us.’” This marked President Subianto’s inaugural official trip to Australia in his current role.

The newly signed agreement holds “alliance-like obligations” and marks a milestone as Indonesia’s first bilateral agreement of this nature.

Interestingly, this development follows Indonesia’s unexpected reaction to Australia’s recent defense treaty with Papua New Guinea, known as the Pukpuk agreement, signed just last month.

It also comes as a surprise following Indonesia’s reaction to Australia signing the Pukpuk defence treaty with Papua New Guinea last month.