Leaders said the accord builds on the 1995 security agreement and the 2006 Lombok Treaty, with signing expected in January. The move follows a PNG treaty concluded about a month earlier, underscoring Canberra’s recent push to deepen regional defense ties.

Consultation Clause And Regular Dialogues

The treaty requires leaders and ministers to consult “if either or both countries’ security is threatened” and consider joint or individual measures in response; it also institutionalizes regular high-level security dialogues and mutually beneficial activities.

Albanese framed it as cooperation to maintain Indo-Pacific stability, calling it a “new era” in ties. The text will be finalized and signed after domestic processes, with both sides signaling early-2026 implementation steps once formalities conclude.

Historical Precedents And Setbacks

Officials linked the new pact to the first bilateral security agreement signed in 1995 by Paul Keating and Suharto, and to the 2006 Lombok Treaty (expanded in 2014).

The 1995 accord was later scrapped amid the 1999–2000 East Timor crisis, a reminder that stress-testing events can upend even expansive frameworks.

"Good neighbours are essential."

Standing with Albanese in Sydney on Nov. 12, 2025, President Prabowo hailed a “good neighbour policy” and stressed that “good neighbours will help each other in times of difficulties.”

A ceremonial welcome—complete with two military helicopters—and a meeting with Australia’s governor-general marked Prabowo’s first state visit since taking office.

Regional Sequencing And Scope

The accord comes roughly one month after Australia’s October 2025 security deal with Papua New Guinea, part of Canberra’s broader Indo-Pacific defense posture.

Albanese said the Indonesia treaty echoes 1995 and Lombok (2006) principles while updating mechanisms for 2025 realities, including structured leader-level consultations and pathways to coordinate responses to threats.