Indonesian Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, held bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Canberra, Australia, on Tuesday (20/8). The meeting focused on discussing defense cooperation between the two countries, with plans to renew the “Defence Cooperation Agreement” (DCA) to strengthen bilateral relations.
Prabowo mentioned that progress has been made on the DCA, with legal details being ironed out for mutual benefit. Albanese emphasized that the historic agreement would enhance defense cooperation through dialogue, interoperability, and field practices, serving as a crucial reference for stability in the region.
Marles highlighted that finalizing negotiations for the new defense agreement opens opportunities for joint military exercises to be expanded. He expressed a commitment for Australia and Indonesia to work closely and enhance joint exercises to address regional challenges.
The meeting was attended by 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.
