Magelang – Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles MP, signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang on Thursday, August 29.
Richard Marles expressed his gratitude to Prabowo for the warm welcome at the Military Academy.
“Thank you, Mr. Prabowo, for taking the time to host me and my delegation at the Indonesian Military Academy. We are deeply honored and impressed by the cadets’ parade today,” Richard said.
Richard highlighted that the DCA represents the most significant defense agreement in the history of Indonesia-Australia bilateral relations.
“This is the most significant defense agreement in the history of our bilateral relationship, and we deeply respect it. We are close friends, and that is evident in the agreement we have signed today,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Prabowo stated that the DCA is a historic milestone that demonstrates Indonesia and Australia’s commitment to strengthening comprehensive defense cooperation.
“We have just signed a defense cooperation agreement, which is a historic milestone,” he said.
In addition to enhancing cooperation, Prabowo noted that both countries have agreed to assist each other in addressing security threats while maintaining peace in the region.
“Together as neighbors, we are enhancing cooperation to help each other tackle various security threats and to promote sustainable peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Furthermore, Prabowo emphasized that this cooperation does not constitute a military pact leading to an alliance. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to a non-aligned policy and its intention to maintain good relations with all countries.
“This is, once again, not a military pact, not a military alliance, but a defense cooperation,” he said.
“We respect Australia’s sovereign right and security, and we also understand that you respect our national interest. I look forward to continuing to support our countries’ relationship in the months and years to come,” Prabowo concluded. (RR)
