Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian Minister of Defense, held important discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles, in Canberra, Australia on Tuesday (20/8).
The focus of the meeting was on strengthening defense cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. Both countries are planning to renew their collaboration through the “Defence Cooperation Agreement” (DCA) in order to enhance their bilateral relations.
“We have successfully made progress on the DCA by resolving certain legal details that will be beneficial for both parties,” stated Prabowo.
Albanese emphasized that this agreement marks a historic milestone in enhancing defense cooperation through dialogues, interoperability, and improved field practices between the two countries.
Marles added that finalizing negotiations for the new defense agreement will pave the way for broader joint military exercises, indicating a closer and more collaborative relationship between Australia and Indonesia as they face regional challenges together.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking Australian officials, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Finance Minister Jim Chalmers, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Julie Collins, Minister for Resources Madeleine King, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams.
