Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was expansive in his sentiments about the “watershed” bilateral security treaty announced with Indonesia this week:
Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is based on friendship, trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace and stability in our region. This treaty is a recognition from both our nations that the best way to secure that peace and stability is by acting together.
From the outset, Australia has enjoyed warm relations with its giant neighbour. Eighty years ago, when Indonesia declared independence in the wake of Japan’s surrender at the end of the Second World War, Dutch troops rushed back in to seize control of their former colony.
