On 12 November, Australia and Indonesia announced a new security treaty that will increase their security cooperation. The new treaty was approved by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a meeting last week in Sydney, and is likely to be signed in January 2026.
The new ‘Australia–Indonesia Treaty on Common Security’ comes soon after the countries upgraded their existing Defence Cooperation Treaty in 2024. The new treaty ensures regular discussions between leaders and defence ministers that will improve shared situational awareness and potentially, joint approaches to security issues.
The implications of this agreement are noteworthy because it strengthens the close and important but sometimes difficult Australia-Indonesia relationship. Regular high-level consultation provides a basis for better trust and confidence between the two countries, that are not always diplomatically aligned. The treaty is also likely to increase cooperation between the two countries defence and law enforcement agencies.
However, it is not an alliance and should not be interpreted as Indonesia changing its policy of non-alignment. Instead, the most important implication is that the deepening relationship confirms Australia’s interest in Melanesia and Southern Asia. A position that gives Australia more diplomatic weight in the region, an important consideration as Australia increases its support for Philippines and develops its security relationships in the region.
Australian intelligence agency warns of the threat posed by foreign hacking
Speaking at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Forum, in Melbourne last week, Mike Burgess the head of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), highlighted the risk of cyber-attack. During the speech he accused Chinese sponsored groups of trying to hack into Australia’s business, critical infrastructure and telecommunications networks. Burgess cited examples of hacking groups ASIO believes are sponsored by China.
Burgess said the risk was increasing and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that “Mr Burgess said the scenarios were not hypothetical, with state actors actively exploring sabotage options to steal intellectual property, undermine companies for strategic advantage, cause chaos during elections or major national decisions, or hinder Australia’s ability to support allies in conflict scenarios.” The speech is a warning from ASIO of increasing cyber risk, and that businesses should protect their data.
The ASIO chief’s concerns are not unique and recently members of the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence partnership have all signalled their concerns about foreign nations hacking into digital networks. Burgess’s speech highlighted the increasing risk to utilities, businesses, and notably to the wider community highlighting that “Growing levels of grievance, conspiracy and anti-authority beliefs are driving spikes in politically motivated violence and making acts of terrorism more likely.” A warning about the power of social media disinformation campaigns.
Cyber operations are a concern around the world and countries other than China are alleged to be supporting hacking teams that target other countries business and government networks, or spread disinformation. Iran, Russia and North Korea have all been openly discussed in the media but this activity is very widespread. For example, during last year’s violent riots in New Caledonia France claimed that Azerbaijan used social media to inflame tensions in the French colony. France is an ally of Azerbaijan’s rival Armenia and there is diplomatic tension between the two countries. Tension that France claims led Azerbaijan to interfere digitally in its colony, providing an example of how interconnected the modern world has become, and of how diverse cyber threats can be.
Japan’s Self Defence Force continues to develop its amphibious capacity
In April we discussed Japan’s establishment of a new unit specialising in amphibious warfare, the Maritime Transport Group (MTG). The MTG is a joint unit created to ensure Japan can quickly move soldiers and equipment to reinforce garrisons on its island territories.
This month shipbuilders handed over another new Nihonbare Class landing craft to the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force. The Nihonbare Class are 80 metres (260 feet) long, displace 2400 tonnes and can carry approximately 200 tonnes of stores for example; 20 shipping containers, a dozen vehicles, up to 700 soldiers (for a short journey) or any combination of these loads. The ships are small manoeuvrable vessel that can operate from beaches or ports. MTG will eventually operate four of these vessels. The ships are very capable and can make sea voyages, operate in shallow water and unload over beaches.
The development of the MTG and construction of amphibious warfare ships represent a wider trend towards reinforcing Japan’s southern island chain. The chain stretches from the south-west tip of Japan almost to Taiwan. The islands are important terrain in any potential attempt to invade or blockade Taiwan so are likely to be contested if China enforces its claim to island.
In July, we discussed Japan’s decision to base its fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft at Saga. A base in the south-west of Japan close to the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. A unit tasked to respond to threats to Japan’s southern island chain. The co-location of these aircraft with Japan’s elite soldiers means the nation can rapidly reinforce its garrisons in the southern-island chain.
The delivery of new amphibious warfare ships is part of a wider Japanese strategy to develop its capability to project military force quickly throughout the nation’s chain of islands. This strategy indicates that Japan is concerned about threats from its neighbours; China, Russia and North Korea and is seeking to deter any occupation of Japanese territory. However, the ability to project amphibious power could also provide Japan with the capability to retake territory like the Sakahlin Islands lost to Russia after World War Two. Japan’s developing amphibious warfare capability is a notable security trend in the Pacific.
Canada’s ‘whole of state’ mobilisation plan
Like some NATO nations Canada is mobilising greater military resources, spending more and generating a larger reserve force. Canada is also a Pacific power and aims to grow its reserve force from approx. 28,000 personnel to 400,000. The directive initiating this ambitious plan was issued in May 2025. The Chief of Defence Force, General Jennie Carigan and the Deputy Defence Minister, Stefanie Beck signed the directive, that states “In order to assure the defence of Canada against domestic threats ranging from a low-intensity natural disaster response to high-intensity large scale combat operations, the DMP will be developed to empower a timely and scalable WoS [Whole of Society} response by achieving pre-conditions for the expansion and mobility of the CAF.”
The term ‘Whole of State’ (WoS) is becoming increasingly common in national defence plans. Across Europe nations are adopting a more comprehensive approach to planning for future conflict. Governments are planning for threats that range from war to ‘grey zone’ hybrid operations like cyber attacks on critical infrastructure.
The aim is to integrate military, civil government and private sector responses to emerging threats, or to conflict. Canada’s plan acknowledges that the world is becoming less secure, so the nation needs to prepare responses across the spectrum of potential conflict. The UK government’s 2025 Strategic Defence review sums up the aim of WoS planning being to “Build national resilience to threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack through a concerted, collective effort involving—among others—industry, the finance sector, civil society, academia, education, and communities.”
Canada’s plan includes encouraging civil servants in federal and provincial government to volunteer for service in the nation’s reserve force. The aim is to recruit 300,000 into the nation’s second-tier reserves, the Supplementary Reserve Force. Volunteers will receive minimal training, one week, during which they will be familiarised with firearms, truck driving and drones.
Although minimally trained a large reserve force with enough training to carry a rifle and protect civil infrastructure, or to drive a truck will be useful in a wide range of threat scenarios. It will improve Canada’s ability to respond to civil disorder, natural disaster, and war. It also frees Canada’s front-line soldiers to concentrate on their more complex military roles. For instance, during COVID militaries around the world were recruited to manage quarantines and isolation facilities. Activities that were an uneconomic use of highly-trained soldiers. If Canada’s plan is successful then in future the nation will have a large reserve force able to respond to similar events.
We should expect to see this trend continue and to spread to countries in the Pacific like Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Already, these nations are growing their reserves forces but we may also see wider WoS programmes incorporated into the defence planning of Pacific nations.
Melanesian update
A regular update on the Pacific’s least reported trouble spot; Melanesia.
Exercise Wantok Warrior
Last week, Australia and Papua New Guinea started Exercise Wantok Warrior. A relatively small company-size exercise (about 120 soldiers). Exercise Wantok Warrior involves; practicing air-mobile operations using Australian Chinook helicopters, small boat operations and urban tactics. The exercise is two weeks long, and centred on Lae, a town on Papua New Guinea’s north coast.
Exercise Wantok Warrior is not large but demonstrates the strong Australian commitment to training the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Air-mobility is often practiced in large armies but is unusual for a small country like Papua New Guinea, and exercises like this are an opportunity to share these skills.
Australia is competing for influence across Melanesia, and small activities like this build strong relationships between both nation’s militaries. Exercise Wantok Warrior is an example of how Australia is increasingly active supporting Papua New Guinea’s government, especially the police and military to become more effective and more inter-operable. This support should also help Papua New Guinea to strengthen its state institutions and to start addressing some of its security and stability problems; like criminal violence.
West Papua – Irian Jaya independence protests planned
The island of Papua is divided into two halves, the eastern half is Papua New Guinea, an independent nation. The west is a province of Indonesia called ‘Irian Jaya’ by the Indonesian government, and ‘West Papua’ by people that support its independence from Indonesia.
Currently, there are reports of protests and violence as the Indonesian military continues trying to defeat the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). A conflict that has lasted nearly 60 years and cost many lives. In October, ULMWP alleges Indonesian security forces killed 15 people during an operation in the highlands. ULMWP claims that during this incident people were tortured and a woman was raped by Indonesian security forces.
ULMWP also claims that Indonesia is using drones and aircraft in attacks near Kiwirok another area in the highlands with a history of violence during the independence conflict. The ULMWP claims that a recent drone attack killed four independence fighters. In 2021, the ‘Kiwirok Bombings’ destroyed houses and buildings in the area. Bombs killed approx. 15 people and loss of shelter and stored food led to the deaths of between 50-300 people from starvation.
Responding to questions from Radio New Zealand in October, the Indonesian government confirmed 14 deaths and stated the torture and rape allegations are “false and baseless”. Radio New Zealand reported that “According to the Indonesian embassy spokesperson, those killed were involved in burning down schools and health facilities, while falsely claiming they were being used as “covert military posts” by Indonesia.”
The Indonesian government’s position is that the people killed by security forces are involved in criminal activity and that ULMWP is trying to coerce local into supporting their independence movement.
After the recent violence, there are reports of widespread protests. National Indigenous Times reported on 14 November that “An Indonesian Human Rights Monitor has observed West Papuans protesting on the streets across its territory against a growing militarisation and ongoing expansion of armed forces in the Papuan central highlands region.”
The same source reports that Benny Wenda, ULMWP’s leader is calling for a day of West Papuan Unity on 1 December. Activity that may increase tensions in the province.
The violent struggle in the West Papuan highlands is unlikely to stop soon and increases the general instability of Melanesia. My observation is that although the Papua New Guinean government takes a ‘diplomatic’ position regarding West Papuan independence the people of both countries are culturally, economically and socially connected. This means conflict in either country de-stabilises both, and could create security issues. If you are an observer of security issues in the Pacific this conflict is worth monitoring,
Ben Morgan is a bored Gen Xer, a former Officer in NZDF and TDBs Military Blogger – his work is on substack
