Indonesia and Australia are exploring bilateral defense cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto and Australian Home Affairs Minister Clair O’Neil discussed options for establishing bilateral cooperation in defense, counter-terrorism and maritime safety.

“This reflects the well-maintained strong ties between the two countries and also Australia’s high regard for Indonesia,” Tjahjanto noted in a press release from his office.

He affirmed that defense cooperation is essential to enhancing the security and military strength of both countries.

He explained that Indonesia and Australia could cooperate in defense matters by conducting personnel exchanges and joint military exercises.

Tjahjanto expressed the belief that the two countries could easily thwart all types of threats, including those from terrorist groups, by strengthening their defense capabilities.

He emphasized the need to cooperate on cybersecurity, considering this crucial to prevent confidential state data from leaking to irresponsible parties.

During their meeting, the two ministers also discussed the plan to hold the 10th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Indonesia and Australia on Justice and Security.

Tjahjanto also mentioned the fifth sub-regional meeting on counter-terrorism and transnational security to be held in Indonesia this year.

He expressed optimism that Indonesia and Australia can take their bilateral ties to the next level by participating in the two planned meetings.

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