In a move underscoring their shared commitment to regional security, over 2,000 Indonesian and Australian troops convened on Indonesia’s main island, Java, for joint military exercises on Wednesday, November 13. This exercise, named Keris Woomera, comes in the wake of a newly signed defense agreement that marks a significant expansion in military cooperation between the two nations. With ambitions to counter regional security threats, especially in contested areas such as the South China Sea, the two countries have pledged closer ties and a united front in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
The event is being lauded as the largest exercise Australia will undertake outside of its borders this year, according to Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, reflecting the critical importance Canberra places on strengthening its alliance with Indonesia.
The Keris Woomera exercise, a multi-domain operation, is scheduled to run over four days, engaging troops in coordinated air, land, sea, and cyber maneuvers. On Wednesday, the forces commenced with a notable amphibious landing on an eastern Java beach. The exercise included a dynamic display of military assets: tanks, ships, fighter jets, landing craft, and assault helicopters formed an extensive coalition demonstrating joint operational capability.
The Australian Embassy in Jakarta, in an official statement, confirmed the live-fire elements of the drill, showcasing the firepower and interoperability of both nations’ forces. This large-scale collaboration represents a unique opportunity for troops to test, refine, and synchronize skills across a wide range of military disciplines, with an emphasis on practical field and amphibious operations.
Signed in August, the defense agreement symbolizes a deepened bond between Indonesia and Australia, both of whom view the current geopolitical climate in the Asia-Pacific with heightened concern. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hailed the agreement as a “historic milestone,” noting that this enhanced partnership enables both countries to prepare more effectively for any potential regional threat.
The new accord contains provisions for regular joint drills and bilateral deployments in each other’s territories, bolstering each nation’s readiness and sending a message of resilience to the wider region. For Australia, a country closely aligned with the United States, and Indonesia, which maintains a relatively neutral stance amid superpower tensions, the agreement represents a strategic alignment with the potential to temper security uncertainties across Southeast Asia.
The Asia-Pacific region is no stranger to military and political friction, particularly as China and the United States vie for influence. At the heart of these tensions lies the South China Sea, where competing claims and frequent military presence fuel an atmosphere of unease. Multiple countries—including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei—claim various islands and waters in this crucial shipping route.
Indonesia and Australia, although geographically separated by a narrow stretch of just under 300 kilometers, have each carved different paths in their foreign policies. Australia, following the lead of the United States, has strengthened its military capabilities and actively supported U.S. efforts to counterbalance China’s growing military influence. Indonesia, however, has traditionally been cautious, maintaining a neutral stance and refraining from aligning too closely with either major power.
By signing this defense agreement, Australia and Indonesia affirm their commitment to peace and stability in the region, signaling a willingness to support one another amid evolving power dynamics. This collaboration provides Australia a unique channel to engage with Indonesia, potentially expanding its network of regional allies. It also serves as an opportunity for Indonesia to modernize its military strategy without compromising its non-aligned stance.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been proactive in building Indonesia’s international relationships, walking a fine line between the region’s dominant players, China and the United States. In recent months, Prabowo has undertaken diplomatic visits to Beijing and Washington, expressing Indonesia’s desire to maintain constructive relations with both superpowers. His approach reflects Indonesia’s broader foreign policy objective of balancing ties to avoid entanglement in great-power competition.
Earlier in the month, Indonesia also conducted naval drills with Russia near eastern Java, demonstrating its intent to diversify security partnerships. By strengthening ties with multiple global players, Indonesia hopes to retain its autonomy while ensuring it remains well-prepared in the event of regional instability.
For Australia, which has long been closely allied with the United States, a strengthened relationship with Indonesia provides a strategic advantage in its own foreign policy goals. The growing rivalry between China and the United States places Australia in a position where alliances and partnerships are vital to maintaining its own security and influence in the region.
Australia’s commitment to the Keris Woomera exercise highlights the nation’s interest in deepening engagement with Southeast Asian neighbors, an approach that aligns with its Pacific Step-up strategy. This strategy aims to enhance Australia’s influence and support regional stability, especially in areas vulnerable to external pressures from larger powers. For Australia, maintaining a strong partnership with Indonesia helps to establish a buffer zone, securing its borders and enabling cooperation in scenarios where regional security may be challenged.
The drills under Keris Woomera underscore the critical importance of readiness in the face of unpredictable threats. By honing their amphibious assault, airborne operations, and cybersecurity defense tactics, Indonesia and Australia are fortifying their preparedness for a range of scenarios.
- Amphibious Operations: With a vast coastline and numerous islands, Indonesia’s defense strategy emphasizes coastal security and rapid deployment capabilities, which this exercise addresses.
- Air Power: Fighter jet deployments reinforce air superiority and the ability to respond swiftly to incursions or attacks.
- Naval Strength: The presence of warships and landing craft is a crucial element for deterring threats in key maritime channels, a shared interest in areas like the Lombok and Sunda Straits.
- Cyber Warfare: In a digital era, cybersecurity defenses are essential for safeguarding national infrastructure and communications, underscoring the multidimensional nature of modern warfare.
While today’s joint exercise and defense agreement signal strong unity, the relationship between Indonesia and Australia has been historically complex. Diplomatic ties have faced strains in the past due to differences in political policies, approaches to regional issues, and sensitivities around national sovereignty. However, both countries have worked diligently to move beyond these tensions, gradually building a relationship founded on mutual respect and shared goals.
Over the past decade, cooperation has grown across areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, and economic development. This new defense pact and the ambitious Keris Woomera exercise mark a high point in bilateral relations, reflecting an understanding of the mutual benefits of closer alignment in security affairs.
As Indonesia and Australia step up their defense cooperation, the broader Asia-Pacific region will closely watch the potential ramifications of this growing alliance. The outcome of this partnership could influence other Southeast Asian nations that, like Indonesia, seek to navigate the turbulent waters between U.S. and Chinese interests.
Experts believe that stronger Indonesia-Australia ties could encourage a wave of similar bilateral and multilateral collaborations among nations looking to secure their positions amid global uncertainties. For Southeast Asia, regional partnerships are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to unilateral dependence on global superpowers. By leading in this direction, Indonesia and Australia may inspire other ASEAN nations to pursue similar collaborations that reinforce regional autonomy and security.
