Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced plans to expand security cooperation with Australia to include Japan and Papua New Guinea (PNG), following a meeting with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles. According to Reuters, Sjafrie stated that trilateral security arrangements would be developed involving Indonesia, Australia, and Japan, as well as Indonesia, Australia, and PNG, as part of efforts to bolster regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Sjafrie also mentioned that Indonesia and Australia would collaborate on intelligence sharing, though he did not provide specific details. Australian Defence Minister Marles later posted on social media, describing the meeting as an opportunity to discuss "our defence relationship as we work together to support a secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region," highlighting the ongoing alignment between the two nations amid growing geopolitical tensions.
This expansion of security cooperation comes after Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a "Treaty on Common Security" last month, which was hailed as "historic" in Canberra. The treaty commits both sides to developing joint military training facilities in Indonesia, enhancing cooperation and information sharing, and consulting "at a leader and ministerial level" on security challenges, reflecting deeper integration in response to regional uncertainties.
The ministers also discussed the possibility of developing a defence training facility on Morotai Island in Indonesia's North Maluku province, a site previously used as a military base during World War II. Indonesian news outlet Kompas.com reported that Sjafrie noted the facility still has several defence structures that could be upgraded for joint use by Indonesia and Australia, with Sjafrie stating, "We will work together to improve and use it," underscoring practical steps toward military interoperability.
Additionally, Sjafrie indicated that military personnel from countries such as the Philippines, Australia, and Singapore would have access to this facility, as well as another in North Kalimantan province being developed with Singapore. These moves are part of broader efforts to strengthen regional security architectures, though they raise questions about the potential for increased militarization and alignment with US-led initiatives in the area.
Source: www.aljazeera.com