Indonesia and Australia Sign Historic Security Treaty in Jakarta

Historic Treaty Signed in Jakarta

In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations and regional stability, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially signed the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security on February 6, 2026, in Jakarta. The treaty, also referred to as the Treaty of Jakarta 2026, marks a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the two nations, aiming to deepen ties and cooperation across various security domains.

Deepening Cooperation and Strategic Partnership

The newly signed treaty is designed to enhance the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia, safeguarding their respective national security interests and contributing to peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific region. It reflects the 'close friendship, partnership and deep trust' that exists between the two countries. Key commitments under the treaty include:

• Regular consultations at Leader and Ministerial levels on matters affecting common security.
• Mutual consultation in the event of adverse challenges to either party or their common security interests.
• Promotion of mutually beneficial cooperative activities in the security field.

This agreement builds upon existing frameworks, including the 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement and the 2006 Lombok Treaty, and is modeled closely on the 1995 Agreement on Maintaining Security.

New Initiatives for Enhanced Security and Economic Ties

To further strengthen the bilateral security relationship, several new initiatives have been announced. These include supporting the development of joint defense training facilities in Indonesia and offering to establish a new embedded position for a senior Indonesian military officer in the Australian Defence Force. Additionally, efforts will be made to build ties between future military leaders through the expansion of the Junior Leaders' Forum Military Education Exchange.

Beyond defense, the treaty also seeks to strengthen economic engagement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be established between the Australian Government and the Indonesian Sovereign Wealth Fund, Danantara. This MoU aims to increase cooperation and information sharing, identifying opportunities for increased two-way investment and thereby enhancing shared economic security and resilience.