What does Australia-Indonesia security treaty actually mean?

Australia's leaders remain circumspect about the terms of a security agreement with a key northern neighbour after finalising the deal with Indonesia's president. What does this treaty actually mean?

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) and President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto announce a security agreement aboard HMAS Canberra at Fleet Base East, in Sydney, Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Source: AAP / DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE

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What does Australia-Indonesia security treaty actually mean?

SBS Indonesian

08:57Indonesian

Australia and Indonesia are entering into a major defence treaty early next year in what Anthony Albanese describes as a historic moment.

The new treaty is based on the landmark security agreement signed by the Keating and Suharto governments 30 years ago, and builds on the 2006 Lombok treaty.

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While the Lombok Treaty focused on non-traditional threats like terrorism, the new pact adds a critical strategic element by committing both nations to consult and consider joint measures if either country's security is threatened.

Some experts have expressed their views.

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