CANBERRA February 6, 2026 — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced today that he has signed a landmark Treaty on Common Security with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, marking a significant upgrade in defence and security cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
In a post shared earlier today, Prime Minister Albanese stated: “Building stronger ties with our neighbours makes us all safer. 🇦🇺🇮🇩 Today, President Prabowo and I signed a historic Treaty on Common Security, taking Australia–Indonesia defence and security cooperation to a new level.”
The agreement aims to deepen bilateral collaboration on defence matters, while a parallel new economic pact is expected to enhance trade, attract greater investment, and create job opportunities in both countries. The Prime Minister emphasized the broader regional benefits, noting that the deals contribute to “a stronger, more secure and peaceful region.”
The announcement was accompanied by three photographs showing the signing ceremony and handshake between the leaders, highlighting the formal and diplomatic nature of the event.
The development comes amid ongoing regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, where Australia has sought to strengthen partnerships with Southeast Asian neighbours. Indonesia, as Australia’s closest northern neighbour and the largest economy in the region, holds particular strategic importance.
While official details on the treaty’s specific provisions — such as joint exercises, intelligence sharing, or maritime security arrangements — were not immediately detailed in the announcement, the signing represents one of the most substantial bilateral security frameworks between the two countries in recent years.
The post has generated a range of reactions on social media, with some users questioning the costs, potential implications for migration, or Australia’s domestic priorities, while others expressed support for closer regional ties.
This agreement builds on long-standing Australia-Indonesia relations, which have included defence cooperation through frameworks such as the Lombok Treaty and various joint military activities. Today’s signing elevates that partnership to a new formal level.
Further details on the treaty text and economic agreement are anticipated from both governments in the coming days.
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