Indonesia and Australia to strengthen security ties with Japan and Papua New Guinea

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has announced plans for a potential joint training facility on Morotai island in Indonesia’s North Maluku province. During a meeting with his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, Sjafrie stated that trilateral security arrangements would be developed between Indonesia, Australia, and Japan, as well as between Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.

The Indonesian Defence Minister also confirmed that Indonesia and Australia will collaborate on intelligence sharing, although no further details were provided. In a social media post, Marles described the meeting as an opportunity to discuss their defence relationship in support of a secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

This development follows the signing of a security treaty between Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month. The “Treaty on Common Security” aims to develop joint military training facilities in Indonesia, as well as increase cooperation and information sharing between the two countries.

In addition, Australia has previously signed mutual defence pacts with Papua New Guinea and Japan, allowing for greater engagement and operability between Japanese and Australian forces. Sjafrie mentioned that Morotai island’s former military base could be upgraded for joint use by Indonesia and Australia, with personnel from various countries including the Philippines, Singapore, and others potentially accessing the facility.

Two defence training facilities are planned: one on Morotai island and another in North Kalimantan province being developed with Singapore.

Source: Al Jazeera