Indonesia-Australia defense deal not a military alliance, says Prabowo

Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has clarified that the newly signed Indonesia-Australia Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) does not establish a military alliance between the two nations. Prabowo made this statement during a video broadcast following the signing of the agreement with his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, at the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java.

Key Points:

1. Nature of the Agreement:
   • Prabowo emphasized that the DCA represents a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering harmonious relations between Indonesia and Australia, rather than forming a military alliance.
   • The agreement aims to enhance cooperation and contribute to regional stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Significance of the DCA:
   • The DCA is seen as a milestone in Indonesia-Australia relations, allowing both nations to collaborate on defense and military programs.
   • Key aspects of the agreement include joint drills, exchanges of military cadets and officers, and increased dialogue between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Australian Defense Force.
3. Statements from Australian Officials:
   • Richard Marles, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, supported Prabowo’s view, stating that Australia fully respects Indonesia’s independent foreign policy, which avoids military alliances.
   • Marles expressed optimism that the DCA will enhance the interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces and contribute positively to global order.
4. Negotiation Timeline:
   • The negotiations for the DCA occurred in Jakarta and Canberra throughout the year, with finalization announced by Prabowo during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on August 20.

Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has clarified that the newly signed Indonesia-Australia Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is not intended to create a military alliance between the two countries. The DCA, signed with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, is aimed at enhancing bilateral defense cooperation and regional stability.

Key Details:

1. Clarification by Prabowo:
   • Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the DCA is not a military alliance but rather a framework to strengthen Indonesia-Australia relations and promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
   • The agreement reflects a commitment to deepening defense ties without altering Indonesia’s independent foreign policy, which avoids formal military alliances.
2. Purpose of the DCA:
   • The DCA facilitates joint defense activities, including military drills, exchanges of military personnel, and increased dialogue between Indonesia’s National Armed Forces (TNI) and Australia’s Defense Force.
   • This cooperation aims to improve interoperability and contribute to regional security without the obligations of a formal military alliance.
3. Australian Perspective:
   • Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, supported Prabowo’s statement. He affirmed that the DCA respects Indonesia’s foreign policy stance and is focused on collaboration rather than forming an alliance.
   • Marles expressed hope that the agreement will enhance mutual defense capabilities and support regional and global order.
4. Negotiation and Finalization:
   • The DCA negotiations were conducted in Jakarta and Canberra over several months, concluding on August 20. The final agreement was announced during a meeting between Prabowo and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
5. Future Prospects:
   • The DCA is seen as a significant step in strengthening defense relations and regional cooperation. Both countries are optimistic about the positive impact on their defense and security collaboration.

Conclusion:

The Indonesia-Australia Defense Cooperation Agreement represents a commitment to mutual defense collaboration while respecting Indonesia’s policy of avoiding military alliances. The agreement is expected to enhance defense cooperation and regional stability, without the implications of a formal military alliance.