Indonesia-Australia Strengthen Cooperation, Anticipate Tensions in the South China Sea

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman affirmed that Indonesia is strengthening its maritime cooperation with Australia to ensure the security of its waters, including the North Natuna region.

"Regarding the South China Sea, to anticipate tensions in the area and maintain security in North Natuna, Indonesia is committed to upholding peace and stability in the region," Dudung explained during the Indonesia-Australia Ministerial Council Meeting on Law and Security (MCM) at the Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, on Thursday (22/10/2026).

Dudung stated that both countries adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

The former Deputy Chief of Staff assured that the cooperation includes strengthening maritime surveillance, patrolling, and law enforcement to address tensions in the South China Sea.

Dudung noted that the security cooperation between Indonesia and Australia also encompasses information exchange and enhancing the capacity of security personnel.

"This cooperation also includes coordinated patrols, information exchange, and capacity building for security forces. We are also intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking and online fraud," he said.

Although Indonesia is establishing cooperation with Australia, Dudung emphasized that this initiative is not aimed at confronting any specific country.

Dudung reiterated that Indonesia remains committed to a free and active foreign policy.

“However, this cooperation is not intended to confront any particular country. Indonesia continues to pursue a free and active foreign policy, with sovereignty and Indonesia's sovereign rights as priorities,” said Dudung.

Previously, Dudung revealed six issues that were discussed during the 12th Indonesia-Australia Ministerial Council Meeting on Law and Security today.

"In today's meeting, we issued a Joint Communique or joint statement between Indonesia and Australia, which includes the strengthening of strategic partnerships, enhanced maritime security, combatting terrorism, transnational crime eradication, border security, and cybersecurity," Dudung stated.

The meeting was led by Minister Dudung on the Indonesian side and Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke.

Dudung noted that the meeting produced a joint statement, or Joint Communique, which serves as a basis for both countries to follow up on the discussions through more concrete cooperation.

According to Dudung, cooperation between the two countries is crucial for strengthening coordination and enhancing capacity in facing security challenges.

He emphasized that these challenges cannot be resolved by a single country alone; they require international cooperation.