Indonesia Calls for Respect for Sovereignty Amid Australia-PNG Defence Treaty
The Indonesian government has issued a measured response to the landmark defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), stressing that any cooperation in security matters must uphold Indonesia’s sovereignty and independence. In its first public comments since the pact was signed in Canberra, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry pressed for assurances that regional peace and stability will be prioritized while avoiding a new cycle of geopolitical rivalry.
What the Pukpuk Treaty Means for the Region
Described by officials as a historic agreement, the so-called Pukpuk Treaty marks Australia’s first new alliance in more than seven decades. The pact commits both Australia and PNG to meet a “common danger” in line with each country’s constitutional processes. For Jakarta, the emphasis is on how such arrangements affect sovereignty and the balance of power in the Western Pacific.
Indonesia’s Position: Cooperation, Not Confrontation
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl told the ABC that Indonesia respects each nation’s right to strengthen defence capabilities but expects collaboration to contribute to regional peace, stability, and predictable security dynamics. “Indonesia respects every country’s right to enhance its defence systems,” he said. “And believes that any such cooperation should contribute to peace and stability in the region, while avoiding the escalation of geopolitical rivalry.”
Border Tensions and West Papua
West Papua remains a critical focal point of regional security. The border between Indonesia and PNG has seen periodic tensions, with West Papuan dissidents seeking refuge across the border and Indonesian authorities intensifying border controls. Nabyl noted ongoing cooperation with PNG to maintain border security and public order, while reiterating Indonesia’s demand that Australia and PNG acknowledge its sovereignty.
Analyst Views on Potential Impacts
Military analyst Natalie Sambhi of Verve Research argues that both Indonesia and PNG will likely work to minimize tensions from West Papuan movements, aiming to prevent human rights concerns from triggering broader regional friction. She also cautions that interpretation of the treaty could evolve, potentially requiring Australia to weigh its actions against long-standing defence ties with Indonesia and regional stability.
Strategic Autonomy: Indonesia’s Foreign Policy
In addressing questions about future alignments, Nabyl underscored Indonesia’s long-standing principle of “free and active” diplomacy, noting that the country avoids forming alliances that resemble formal military pacts. Yet the government does maintain robust security collaborations with traditional partners, including the United States and Australia, while expanding relations with other major powers to address contemporary security challenges.
Prospects for Regional Cooperation
Despite the sovereignty concerns, the Australia-PNG treaty could yield practical benefits for Indonesia by promoting a more capable neighbor capable of addressing both conventional and evolving hybrid threats. Enhanced cooperation in maritime security, disaster relief, and humanitarian response represents a shared interest that could bolster regional resilience while respecting Jakarta’s strategic calculations and diplomatic red lines.
Conclusion
As Canberra and Port Moresby formalize their security commitment, Jakarta’s diplomatic posture remains clear: sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable, and any cross-border security arrangement must be conducted with transparency and dialogue. The coming months will likely see continued dialogue among Indonesia, Australia, and PNG as they navigate the delicate balance between collective security and national autonomy in a complex Indo-Pacific landscape.
