Indonesia, Australia step up security cooperation in Jakarta meeting

Djamari Chaniago, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam), met Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke MP to discuss enhanced cooperation on security, according to an official statement.

The meeting took place at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday (Jan. 28).

“This cooperation serves the shared interests of Indonesia and Australia and contributes to regional stability. For that reason, strengthening our cooperation must continue,” Djamari said in a press release received in Jakarta on Thursday.

Djamari said he and the Australian minister discussed a range of strategic issues, including domestic and regional security, counterterrorism, maritime security, irregular migration, cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as transnational crime, including drug trafficking.

In the meeting, Djamari also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to bolstering cooperation in addressing shipping-related issues, illegal fishing, the smuggling of people and narcotics, and various violations in cyberspace.

Burke said the partnership needed to be maintained and strengthened as global-level security threats continue to rise, pushing Indonesia and Australia to further deepen their security collaboration.

“What we have done so far has been good, but it is not enough. We need to take more concrete steps to ensure the safety of people in both countries,” Burke said.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communique outlining key discussion points and follow-up measures to reinforce future security cooperation.

Following the talks, both Djamari and Burke expressed hope that bilateral ties would grow stronger and contribute to national and regional security stability.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara