The new defense pact, which comes amid continuing geopolitical tensions and heightened concerns over regional security, was “vital” for both nations, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said after a meeting with Prabowo on Tuesday, as it allowed their forces to operate from each other’s territories.

Prabowo arrived in the Australian capital of Canberra on Monday, following months of preparation for “the most important” hallmark of the two countries’ defense ties, as described previously by Australian Defense Minister Charles Marles. The agreement is expected to be formally signed in the coming days.

The president-elect's visit to Australia was also to reassert his “good neighborhood policy”, as Indonesia continues to tread a narrow path between rival major powers.

Prabowo later said the visit had “a very good outcome” for Jakarta and Canberra and had reestablished their joint commitment to ensuring regional peace and stability, as tensions related to new minilateral groupings and spats in the South China Sea continue to loom over the Indo-Pacific. 

“Australia and Indonesia are working together to shape the region [into one that is] peaceful, stable, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty,” Albanese said. “[The DCA] will be a vital plank for our two countries to support each other’s security.”

Read also: China says US has 'no right to intervene' in South China Sea disputes

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