Australia strengthens its partnership with Indonesia in the fight against terrorism and cybercrime

[ASEAN NOW Content Team]

 

Following high-level bilateral talks in Jakarta, Australia and Indonesia will boost defence training cooperation and strengthen collaborative efforts against terrorism and cybercrime.

 

For the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, the foreign and defence ministers of both countries met in the Indonesian capital.

 

Marise Payne, Australia's foreign minister, and Peter Dutton, Australia's defence minister, are in Indonesia as part of a two-week trip that will also take them to India, South Korea, and the United States.

The two countries extended their existing defence cooperation pact and amended two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity during talks with their ministerial counterparts, Retno Marsudi and Prabowo Subianto.

 

Both countries have agreed to increase collaborative military drills and educational activities.

Indonesian military personnel may soon be able to train at Australian defence establishments such as Canberra's Royal Military College at Duntroon.

 

"I look forward to hosting cadets from the TNI (Indonesian armed forces) studying at Australian defence education facilities, building relations between future leaders on both sides," Mr Dutton told a press conference.

"Already 35 Indonesian officers, students and their families are in Australia undertaking long-term studies at our defence colleges."

 

Mr Dutton also stated that Australia would send Indonesia with 15 Bushmaster military vehicles to aid in its peacekeeping efforts.

The four-wheel-drive vehicles can transport up to nine infantry commanders while providing cover from improvised explosive devices and small weapons fire.

Mr Dutton stated, "Australia and Indonesia are dedicated to ensuring our area remains safe, secure, peaceful, and wealthy."

 

"Our countries have long been natural neighbours and excellent friends, and our mutual respect and engagement are at an all-time high."

 

The ministers also amended two existing MOUs on counter-terrorism and cyber cooperation, as well as signing a separate MOU on trilateral cooperation with Pacific countries aimed at enhancing economic growth and trade connections with Pacific Island governments.