Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian Minister of Defense, held talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles in Canberra, Australia on Tuesday (20/8).
The discussion revolved around the defense cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, with plans to renew the “Defence Cooperation Agreement” (DCA) to strengthen bilateral relations.
Prabowo mentioned that progress has been made on the DCA, ironing out legal details that are beneficial for both countries.
Albanese emphasized that this agreement would enhance defense cooperation through dialogue, interoperability, and field practices, serving as a crucial reference for stability in the region.
Marles highlighted that the completion of negotiations for the new defense agreement would allow for expanded joint military exercises, enabling closer collaboration and addressing regional challenges together.
The meeting also included high-ranking Australian officials such as 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.
