Canberra – Indonesian Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, engaged in bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Deputy Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Defense, Richard Marles, in Canberra, Australia, on Tuesday (20/8).

During the meeting, both parties discussed the defense cooperation between the two countries. Indonesia and Australia also plan to renew their cooperation in the form of the “Defence Cooperation Agreement” (DCA), aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

“We have made good progress on the DCA. We have ironed out a number of legal details, which I think are very beneficial,” said Prabowo.

Meanwhile, Albanese stated that this historic agreement would bolster the defense cooperation between Indonesia and Australia through dialogue, strong interoperability, and enhanced field practices.

“This will be a vital reference for both countries and stability in the region,” said Albanese.

Marles explained that the completion of negotiations for the new defense agreement paves the way for both countries to expand joint military exercises.

“Going forward, Australia and Indonesia will work closer than ever before and expand the scope and complexity of joint exercises as we tackle regional challenges together,” he stated.

The meeting also saw the presence of 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. (RR)