Facing Russia and China, Australia Invests Millions to Strengthen Ties With Indonesia

The two countries are deepening ties, which will come as a relief to Australia after rumours of Russia seeking to establish a marine base in Indonesia.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (R) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) shake hands after a joint press conference at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 15, 2025. Bay Ismoyo/AFP via Getty Images

Australia is to spend $15 million over four years to “enhance maritime cooperation” with Indonesia, including an annual official-level dialogue on maritime issues.

What that means is both nations will be working more closely together to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific in the face of increased aggression from the CCP and reported interest from Russia to base military aircraft in Indonesia’s easternmost province.