Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security

Spender welcomed the treaty as a signal of Australia's pragmatic role in the region and a maturing relationship based on mutual respect. Spender highlighted specific defence cooperation measures, including joint training facilities and the embedding of a senior Indonesian military officer in the Australian Defence Force. Spender also noted the economic potential of Indonesia's growing middle class and digital economy, urging the government to cut red tape to facilitate trade under the Invested strategy.

Clutterham described the treaty as balanced, strategic, and practical, focusing on three key features: regular security consultations, responses to adverse challenges, and cooperative security activities. Clutterham argued that stability and peace in both nations benefit the wider Indo-Pacific region and reduce the risk of conflict through dialogue. Clutterham also referenced the memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, as a means to enhance shared economic security and resilience.

Aldred acknowledged the historical milestones in Australia-Indonesia relations, including aid following the 2004 tsunami and counterterrorism cooperation under previous governments. Aldred referenced the Moore report, Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia economic strategy to 2040, and its recommendations for removing trade barriers and building capability. Aldred called for continued action to support regional small and medium enterprises and education providers in exporting to Southeast Asian markets.

Watts praised the treaty as a watershed moment but warned of a crisis in Australia's Asia capability, particularly regarding Indonesian language studies. Watts cited statistics showing a sharp decline in high school and university enrolments in Bahasa Indonesia, with teaching in Queensland described as functionally extinct. Watts argued that operationalising the treaty requires a whole-of-nation plan to strengthen Southeast Asia literacy and cultural understanding to ensure effective engagement with Indonesia.

Gosling spoke again to support Watts' concerns about language education and to highlight the centuries-old relationship between Yolngu people and Makassan traders. Gosling noted that Yolngu Matha still uses Malay loanwords and emphasised the importance of language in building genuine respect and connection. Gosling stated that the government is working to ensure Bahasa Indonesia continues to be taught in schools to develop expertise and strengthen people-to-person links.

Lawrence affirmed that the treaty reflects serious regional leadership and recognises that Australia's security is shaped by relationships with neighbours. Lawrence detailed practical measures such as joint defence training and the embedded senior officer position, noting Indonesia's status as a major economy with rapid growth. Lawrence also highlighted the importance of reciprocal student exchanges and the treaty's commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ASEAN centrality.