20 November 2020
Chief of the Defence Force
Angus J. Campbell, AO DSC
Today I hosted my Indonesian counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), for the 8th annual Australia‑Indonesia High Level Committee Meeting, which was held virtually this year.
The High Level Committee Meeting is an important forum for strengthening our bilateral defence relationship and broadening cooperation between our respective militaries. Our commitment to conducting the meeting, albeit virtually, is a positive sign of the strength of our partnership.
Air Chief Marshal Tjahjanto and I were pleased to note the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and TNI have maintained strong and proactive engagement this year despite travel restrictions.
We also discussed priorities for our defence partnership and agreed a robust forward program of engagement, including COVID-safe activities.
As reaffirmed in the Defence Strategic Update, Indonesia is a critical security partner for Australia. In an increasingly contested strategic environment, it is more important than ever for the ADF and TNI to work closely together to promote our shared interests in an open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
I look forward to continuing to work with my close friend, Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto.
Media contactsIssued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
