PM Albanese: Indonesia Important to Australia’s Regional Security

RRI.CO.ID, Canberra — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the important role of Indonesia as a partner in maintaining regional security.

"Australia's peace, security, and stability depend greatly on regional security, which in turn is linked to Indonesia's unity, stability, and sovereignty. For us, there is no more important relationship than our partnership with Indonesia," Albanese said in a speech at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, 17 August 2026.

Albanese also underscored that the Indonesia-Australia Agreement on Common Security (Jakarta Treaty), signed with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, affirms that the best way to maintain peace and stability in the region is to act together. "The agreement also reaffirms the core principles of the 2006 Lombok Treaty, and that Australia will always firmly respect Indonesia's territorial integrity and sovereignty," he said.

The PM said the agreement was made possible by the close ties between the two countries. During his address, Albanese also extended his congratulations on the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

He described Indonesia's struggle for independence as one of the most historic turning points of the 20th century. He said Australia was proud to be among the first countries to recognize Indonesia's sovereignty.

"I extend my very best wishes and my most sincere congratulations to our neighboring country on its Independence Day today," Albanese said.

He also expressed his deep condolences and support following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara. "Australians are saddened to see reports from last weekend of the devastating earthquake in eastern Indonesia, which has claimed at least 53 lives and left many more people injured," he said.