Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) at the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang on Thursday (29/8/2024).

Minister Prabowo emphasized that the DCA is not a military pact or alliance, but rather a framework for closer defense partnership between the two nations. 

“This is not a military pact or alliance but a defense cooperation agreement. It signifies our desire to continue and enhance our strong friendship and cooperation,” he said, as reported by antaranews.com.

Minister Prabowo described the agreement as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, contributing to regional stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific.

Australian Minister Marles acknowledged Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy, affirming Australia's respect for it. “We understand and respect Indonesia’s non-aligned stance. This agreement is about strengthening our defense cooperation, not forming a military alliance,” Marles said.

The DCA aims to enhance interoperability between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Australian Defense Force, facilitating joint exercises, officer exchanges, and increased military dialogue. The negotiations, held alternately in Jakarta and Canberra from May to December 2023, were concluded on 20 August 2024.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)