Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has embarked on a visit to Jakarta, where he is set to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to endorse what he has hailed as a pivotal security agreement.

In a collaborative announcement, Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted that this agreement is poised to elevate the cooperative efforts between the two nations “to unprecedented heights, enhancing the safety of both our nations and the broader region.”

“This new treaty marks a significant milestone in the Australia–Indonesia partnership,” Albanese remarked. “It signifies a substantial expansion in our security and defense collaboration, underscoring the unprecedented strength of our relations.”

The specifics of the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, which was introduced last November, remain undisclosed to the public.

Tim Lindsey, a prominent authority on Indonesian law from Melbourne University, views the heightened diplomatic engagements with the Southeast Asian nation positively.

However, he cautioned that while deeper connections with Australia’s “northern shield” are beneficial, they might not necessarily simplify diplomatic interactions for Canberra.

“Indonesia’s slide away from liberal democracy and towards authoritarianism presents new challenges for an Australian government which must interact with Indonesia,” 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, Lindsey said.

‘A proud moment’

Wong is joining Albanese on the trip 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.

Albanese’s trip will be his fifth as prime minister, and second since his re-election in 2025, when he opted 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.

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.

Wong said the step 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.

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