Australia-Indonesia to sign ‘watershed’ security pact
A deepening security relationship with Indonesia will cause problems as Australia’s “northern shield” retreats from democratic rights, an expert says.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flown to Jakarta, where he will meet Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to sign a “landmark” security deal.
Details Australia-Indonesia Joint Security AgreementThe information, announced last November, remained largely secret.
Tim Lindsey of the University of Melbourne, a leading expert on Indonesian law, described the increased visits to the Southeast Asian country as a positive.
But he warned that further ties with Australia’s “northern shield” would not make the relationship easier for Canberra.
“Indonesia’s shift from liberal democracy towards authoritarianism poses new challenges for the Australian government as it must engage with Indonesia,” Professor Lindsey told AAP.
A bill put forward by the Indonesian government against disinformation and foreign propaganda could lead to a crackdown on civil society groups.
Prof Lindsey said this could lead to a scenario where Indonesians in Australia are targeted.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also join Mr Albanese and meet his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono during the visit.
Indonesia has long maintained a foreign policy of non-alignment in order to avoid getting involved in conflicts.
Mr Albanese’s trip will be his fifth as prime minister and his second since his re-election in 2025, and he will opt to make Indonesia the first country he visits after remaining in office.
“This agreement is a proud moment in the shared history of Australia and Indonesia,” the prime minister told parliament before leaving on Thursday.
“It will enable us to work together to shape a better future, to secure our common place in the world so we can achieve 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 wider bilateral relationship.
“There will be no element of mutual commitment to each other’s security,” he said.
Dr Priyandita said Indonesia was “very allergic” to the idea of defense alliances to preserve its non-alignment policy.
President Prabowo has faced criticism domestically for this perceived deviation from the norm.
Senator Wong said that the step taken was the most important step taken in strengthening the partnership in the last 30 years.
“In these uncertain times, this is a testament to the importance we place on our relationship and the respect we have for each other,” he said.
Australia’s Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national news channel and has been providing accurate, reliable and fast-paced news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We inform Australia.
