Indonesia and Australia finalise new bilateral defence treaty

Indonesia and Australia have finalized a landmark defense treaty that will significantly enhance military cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, reached during a meeting between Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Australian officials, will allow for increased joint exercises and operations within each other's territories. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles hailed the pact as the most significant bilateral agreement to date. Despite differing threat perceptions regarding China, both countries aim to strengthen their strategic partnership and support a rules-based global order. The treaty will be formally signed during Marles' upcoming visit to Jakarta.