Australia highlights Indonesia’s role in regional security

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted Indonesia’s crucial role as a partner in maintaining regional security while extending his greetings on Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.

“Australia’s peace, security and stability are dependent on the security of our region, and in turn, on a united, stable and sovereign Indonesia. To us, no relationship is more important,” Albanese said in a speech at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra.

In a live broadcast on the Australian Parliament House streaming portal monitored from Jakarta on Monday, he noted that this commitment was demonstrated by making Indonesia the destination for his first bilateral visits after being elected as prime minister in both 2022 and 2025.

During his most recent visit to Jakarta on February 6, Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed the Jakarta Treaty to strengthen the strategic alliance between the two nations, built upon long-term ties of friendship, trust, and security.

“That treaty makes clear that the best way to secure the peace and stability of our region is by acting together. And it reaffirms the force of the 2006 Lombok Treaty that Australia unwaveringly respects Indonesia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he emphasized.

Delivering his speech on Monday (August 17), which coincided with Indonesia’s Independence Day commemoration, Albanese extended his congratulations to the government and people of the neighboring nation.

He described Indonesia’s struggle for independence as one of the most historic turning points of the 20th century, adding that Australia is proud to have been one of the first nations to recognize Indonesia’s sovereignty.

“I extend best wishes and hearty congratulations to our neighbour on this anniversary,” Albanese stated.

Furthermore, the prime minister expressed his deepest condolences over the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Nagekeo District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, on Saturday (August 15).

The disaster has resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant material damage across several surrounding regions.

“We stand with the Indonesian government and its people at this sad and difficult time, as we have always done, and we always will do,” Albanese added.