Magelang – Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles MP, signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Indonesia and Australia at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang on Thursday, August 29.

Prabowo, dressed in a gray suit, welcomed Marles at 10:05 AM WIB. The two then proceeded to the podium for the ceremony.

The event continued with an inspection of the troops, conducted from a Rantis Maung vehicle produced by PT Pindad, followed by a parade of cadets from the Military Academy and a performance by the Canka Lokananta drum and bugle corps.

After the ceremony, Prabowo and Marles held a bilateral meeting, which was followed by the signing of the DCA in the presence of delegations from both countries.

Prabowo emphasized that the DCA reflects the commitment of Indonesia and Australia to enhance comprehensive defense cooperation while promoting peace and stability in the region.

“We have just signed a defense cooperation agreement, which is a historic milestone,” Prabowo stated after the signing.

“This is to work together as neighbors to enhance cooperation, helping each other to address various security threats and promoting sustainable peace and stability in the region,” he added.

The upgraded status of the DCA is the result of negotiations between the two sides, reflecting the increased intensity of military cooperation between Indonesia and Australia over the past decade, particularly in the areas of education and training.

This includes the sending of Indonesian military cadets to study at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and The Royal Military College in Duntroon, plans for a Joint UN Mission between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and the increased intensity of Joint Exercises (LATMA) both between individual military branches and jointly among the three branches of both countries’ armed forces.

Both sides believe that this DCA will significantly help in anticipating future security threats in the Asia-Pacific region through collaborative defense efforts to maintain sustainable peace and stability in the region. (RR)