Indonesia, Australia in joint drills after ‘historic’ defence pact

After the allies signed a new defense agreement promising closer cooperation to counter security threats in the Asia-Pacific region, more than 2, 000 Indonesian and Australian troops conducted joint military drills on Wednesday ( Nov 13 ).

In the face of more outposts in the region, including the South China Sea, where some states assert their autonomy over disputed territories and waterways, the two nations have attempted to strengthen security ties.

Air, land, water, and computer activities are included in the four-day practice named Keris Woomera on Indonesia’s main island, which Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described as” the biggest training Australia may do outside of our country this year”

The American embassy in Jakarta reported in a declaration that both forces made an amphibious landing on a beach in northeast Java on Wednesday.

Vehicles, boats, fighter jets, landing ship, abuse helicopters, and around 2, 000 military staff were also involved in a live-fire workout, it said.

The new surveillance deal, signed in August, was hailed as a “historic breakthrough” in the development of ties between the two countries by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

It permits shared training and deployments in each nation.