Department of Defence
- Australian and Indonesian Foreign and Defence Ministers met for the Ninth Australia-Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers' 2+2 Meeting on 28 August 2025 in Canberra.
- Ministers met in a spirit of genuine friendship, deep respect and shared resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and global challenges.
- Australian Ministers congratulated Indonesia on its 80th anniversary of independence on 17 August 2025. They recalled Prime Minister Albanese's reflection in Jakarta in May that Australia was one of the first countries to support Indonesia's independence - publicly and substantively - which was itself an assertion of Australia's own independence.
- Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of both countries, and the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference, as enshrined in the 2006 Lombok Treaty.
- Ministers reflected on the success of Prime Minister Albanese's recent visit to Indonesia (May 2025) for the Annual Leaders' Meeting (ALM), and the warmth and generous hospitality shown by President Prabowo and the Indonesian people. They welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2025-2029 (CSP POA) and looked forward to its implementation, which intensifies bilateral cooperation in the fields of economic development, politics and security, and maritime cooperation; expands exchanges at all levels of society; and, contributes to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
- Ministers agreed to prioritise continued cooperation on defence and security matters and acknowledged the vital contribution of our bilateral relationship to regional security, prosperity, and stability.
- Ministers looked forward to the entry-into-force of the Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement in both countries, and to further discussions on defence cooperation during the Defence Ministers' Meeting.
- Ministers welcomed the high-level engagements which progressed outcomes from the ALM in May 2025, including among others, Australian Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly's visit to Indonesia (August 2025), as well as the visit of Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra (June 2025).
- Ministers acknowledged the importance of increasing dialogue and cooperation on economic resilience and economic security, amid increasing global economic headwinds. They noted the growth of the bilateral economic relationship in key areas, such as energy transition, and the strength of trade and investment, including in critical minerals and agriculture.
- As the centrepiece of our economic relationship, Ministers welcomed the role the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) has played in creating shared prosperity and deepening economic resilience. Ministers noted the solid progress of increasing two-way trade and investment under IA-CEPA. They welcomed Leaders' recent announcement to review IA-CEPA.
- Ministers welcomed positive developments in collaborating to promote the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem, including battery manufacturing and critical industries in Indonesia and Australia. They further reiterated their shared commitment to support food security and facilitate two-way trade in agricultural products.
- Ministers highlighted the importance of furthering regional economic cooperation, including to maintain a conducive trade environment and commitment to free and fair trade. Ministers welcomed the recent establishment of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Taskforce and its aims of strengthening regional resilience, promoting economic integration and addressing challenges in the face of a shifting geoeconomic landscape.
Australian Ministers reiterated their support for Indonesia's ongoing preparations to accede to the OECD and CPTPP. Australian Ministers provided an update on the progress of Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, as part of Australia's commitment to increase two-way trade and investment with Southeast Asia.
Partners in security and prosperity
- Ministers welcomed the strong collaboration between Australia and Indonesia, working side-by-side and drawing on our respective strengths to address shared challenges and advance stability, prosperity and security.
- Ministers welcomed the new Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Peace and Stability (Partnership), which will advance bilateral cooperation on conflict prevention. Ministers noted all states had a responsibility to foster a safe and stable region where all states operate by agreed rules, standards and norms. They encouraged all states to maintain open lines of communication and to take practical steps to prevent escalation or miscalculation. They committed to holding an inaugural Senior Officials' Dialogue by the end of 2025 to deepen exchanges on geostrategic issues, with an emphasis on conflict prevention, management, and peacebuilding, and to agree future practical activities under the Partnership.
- Ministers recognised the value of our enduring military education and training links and committed to further deepening defence engagement under the Defence Cooperation Agreement, including through cooperation on military medicine and defence industry and technology, exchange of personnel, building interoperability, and enhanced military exercises (including in the cyber domain).
- Australian Ministers looked forward to an extensive schedule of planned military exercises in the coming year, including Indonesia's participation in Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 and Exercise KAKADU in 2026. Australian Ministers welcomed the conducting of bilateral Exercise RAJAWALI AUSINDO at Morotai for the first time. Ministers noted their common interest in deepening defence cooperation with regional partners.
- Ministers welcomed Australia's participation in the Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD 2025, which would include an expanded Australian contribution of Royal Australian Air Force F-35 aircraft. They welcomed the intention to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Coordinated Maritime Patrol Activity between the Indonesian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force to facilitate the conduct of coordinated maritime patrols in mutually agreed areas.
- Ministers welcomed the depth of cooperation to address strategic and security issues of common interest, including transnational crime, people smuggling and human trafficking, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, terrorism and violent extremism. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, an enduring example of collaboration with the Indonesian National Police since 2004.
- Ministers committed to expanding cooperation to ensure a peaceful, secure and stable maritime domain, including under the 2017 Joint Declaration on Maritime Cooperation and the updated maritime pillar of the CSP POA. Building on the maritime package announced at the Annual Leaders Meeting, Ministers welcomed new and enhanced cooperation, including a MoU between Geoscience Australia and the Indonesia Geospatial Agency to advance marine mapping; delivery of interagency maritime analytics short courses; and, Indonesia hosting the first maritime dialogue in 2025. They welcomed an increase in postgraduate maritime scholarships and law of the sea courses, and further support for information sharing, official exchanges and academic cooperation on topics of interest. Ministers affirmed the value of close and ongoing operational cooperation, including on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).
- Ministers welcomed the renewed commitment to enhance cooperation on cyber under the Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Cyber Security and Critical Technology Cooperation signed in Jakarta on 20 August 2025, which will provide a framework for bilateral cyber security and critical technology cooperation activities.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a Pacific region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, led by Pacific Islands Forum priorities highlighted within the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which, among others, underlines respect for sovereignty and the principle of non-interference. Australian Ministers welcomed Indonesia's increasing engagement with the region, as outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Trilateral Cooperation with Pacific Island Countries, and demonstrated by Indonesia's Pacific Elevation. Ministers reconfirmed their support for sustainable and effective trilateral development cooperation, through agreement to conclude an updated MoU by mid-2026. They noted the intention to design a new phase of the disaster risk reduction program, SIAP SIAGA, as an example of how the two countries work together to meet shared challenges.
Securing our shared region, together
- Ministers reaffirmed the importance of working together through ASEAN-led mechanisms to promote an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable, resilient, prosperous and rules-based, underpinned by regional architecture with ASEAN at its centre that upholds international law. They noted the importance of a region where strategic competition is managed responsibly, sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected, where countries can freely and independently make decisions in their own interest, and disputes are managed peacefully in accordance with international law.
- Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security across the region's shared maritime domain, and continuing cooperation on a full range of regional maritime threats, including those against sovereignty, smuggling of people, arms, drugs and money, human trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, terrorism and environmental concerns. The Bali Process was a strong example of Australian and Indonesian stewardship, as co-chairs, in the fight against people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crime.
- Ministers expressed serious concerns about developments in the South China Sea and recognised the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security and stability. Ministers underlined the importance of developing practical cooperation and new initiatives towards this end. They expressed concerns regarding behaviour that increases the risk of miscalculation. Ministers expressed their concern at the continued militarisation of disputed features and encouraged all parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may raise tensions.
- Ministers underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded trade in the region, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasised the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirmed that it is the comprehensive legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. Ministers emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. In this regard, Ministers recalled the 2016 ruling of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS. They recognised the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and underscored the importance of an effective, high quality and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law, including UNCLOS.
- Ministers reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality and its vital role in regional engagement. They reflected on the norms, rules and values of ASEAN as the key regional mechanism to build confidence, and promote habits of dialogue and cooperation on shared challenges. They reaffirmed their support for an ASEAN-centered, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus, to help facilitate dialogue, transparency, cooperation and trust-building, and prevent conflict. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives and principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and its practical implementation. They also reiterated their commitment to deepening the region's capacity to reduce the risk of conflict and crisis.
- Ministers welcomed Cambodia and Thailand's agreement to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and encouraged parties to honour the agreement in good faith and work towards a lasting and peaceful resolution.
- Ministers looked forward to Timor-Leste's accession as ASEAN's eleventh member at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October. They agreed to continue supporting Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership, and to progress trilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste more broadly.
- Ministers welcomed the Quad's support for ASEAN centrality, the AOIP, and practical cooperation in the region.
- Ministers expressed grave concern at the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar. They called on stakeholders and parties in Myanmar, in particular the armed forces and security forces concerned, to immediately cease violence, including the targeting of civilians, release of all those unjustly detained, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with the view to a return to a more peaceful and stable Myanmar. Ministers reiterated their strong support for the Five-Point Consensus and commended the ongoing efforts of ASEAN, including the Special Envoy, to seek a peaceful resolution.
- Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing Australia-Indonesia-India trilateral cooperation to exchange views and collaborate on common challenges.
- Ministers highlighted their commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the premier forum spanning the Indian Ocean region. They recognised IORA's role in addressing regional challenges and expressed support for the implementation of the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Ministers highlighted the importance of advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the region, and agreed to continue efforts for its full implementation.
Global solutions, shared responsibility
- Amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding rules, norms and the integrity of the multilateral system, and continued cooperation within multilateral institutions. Such institutions had to remain effective, open and transparent, with Ministers noting the need to continue discussions on ambitious UN reform, including of the UN Security Council.
- Ministers affirmed their commitment to uphold and champion international humanitarian law and drive action to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones, including through their work to develop a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
- Ministers called on all parties to the Hamas-Israel conflict to resume the ceasefire, release the remaining hostages, facilitate the exchange of prisoners, and support the flow of humanitarian aid. They reiterated their strong rejection of any attempt by Israel to make permanent its occupation over the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which the International Court of Justice had found to be unlawful and must be brought to an end as rapidly as possible. They also rejected all Israeli actions and policies to take over Gaza, change the demographic composition of Gaza, and further aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Ministers restated the need for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law; humanitarian aid workers must be protected.
- Ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution as the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. In this context, Indonesia welcomed Australia's intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ministers welcomed the commitments made by states in the 29 July New York Call towards the full and immediate implementation of the Two-States Solution, especially the recognition of the State of Palestine. They reiterated that any annexation or expansion of settlements would violate international law and undermine long term peace and stability. Ministers discussed the desire to work in partnership with the international community to assist the Palestinian Authority in meeting new commitments, including to institute reforms to law enforcement and schooling. Ministers committed to joint cooperation in these areas by sharing Australia and Indonesia's lessons with the Palestinian Authority and building momentum toward wider recognition of a Palestinian State.
- Ministers discussed the war against Ukraine and reaffirmed their respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. They underscored their commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter. Ministers underscored the importance of inclusive and peaceful resolution of the conflict, and for all prisoners of war to be treated and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Ministers called for support from the international community to de-escalate and end the war.
- Ministers highlighted their vision for a world without nuclear weapons and preserving the region as a region free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. They recommitted to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). As founding members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ministers expressed their strong support for the IAEA and its mandate to uphold the NPT. Indonesian Ministers updated Australia on its ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2024. Indonesian Ministers expressed their appreciation to Australia for its efforts in maintaining transparency regarding its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines in the context of AUKUS.
- Ministers welcomed ongoing cooperation between the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) and the Indonesian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), including the recent conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies that would advance cooperation on nuclear material security and safeguards.
- Indonesian Ministers expressed their sincere gratitude to Australian Ministers for their warm welcome and hospitality during the Ninth 2+2 Meeting.
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