Indonesia, Australia Eye Enhanced Defense Pact With Japan, Papua New Guinea

Indonesia and Australia have announced a plan to expand defense cooperation through new trilateral arrangements with Japan and Papua New Guinea while stepping up intelligence sharing.

Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin revealed the strategy after talks with Australian counterpart Richard Marles, according to Reuters.

The move follows a security treaty signed in February 2026 that commits both countries to consult each other if either faces a threat.

At the latest meeting, the ministers also discussed developing a joint training facility on Morotai Island in North Maluku by upgrading existing infrastructure. “We will work together to improve and utilise it,” Sjamsoeddin said.

Marles noted that the site would remain under Indonesian control but could host Australian training activities.

“There would be opportunities we see for Australia to engage in training there,” he said, emphasizing Jakarta will decide how the facility is used.

The leaders said personnel from countries including the Philippines, Australia, and Singapore are also invited to access the Morotai site, as well as another facility under development in North Kalimantan with Singapore.

Contribution to Board of Peace

Separately, Sjamsoeddin said Indonesia is prepared to contribute troops to a proposed international security force in Gaza, pending developments tied to US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative.

The Southeast Asian country initially planned to deploy 20,000 troops but has reduced the figure to 8,000, to be sent in batches.

“The president has instructed us to prepare our troops, ⁠and ​we are ready to act, but we are ​awaiting developments from the [Board of Peace],” Sjamsoeddin stated.

“I cannot confirm anything yet because the situation is very dynamic.”