Deputy PM Marles Affirms Australia Will Not Support Separatists In Papua

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (left) walks with Australian Defense Minister and Deputy PM Richard MarlesANTARA PHOTO/MUHAMMAD ADIMAJA

JAKARTA - Australian Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Richard Marles emphasized that his country does not support separatist groups towards the Government of Indonesia, including OPM in Papua.

He emphasized that Australia supports the sovereignty of Indonesian territory, including Papua, which is currently the hotbed of the separatist group of the Free Papua Organization (OPM).

We, Australia, strongly support the sovereignty of Indonesian territory. Period. And, there is no support whatsoever for separatist movements. We support Indonesia's sovereignty, and that includes provinces that enter Indonesian territory. Nothing if, nothing but. I want us all to be clear about that," said Marles in response to reporters' questions during a press conference at the Ministry of Defense office, Jakarta, reported by ANTARA, Friday, February 23.

Marles met Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto today. Marles' arrival at the Ministry of Defense Office today was his second visit in less than a year.

In a meeting for approximately two hours, Marles emphasized that Indonesia and Australia face the same security threats in the region, and the understanding of that is also the basis of the defense policies of each country.

Karena itu, Marles menekankan dalam pertemuannya dengan Prabowo dia meyakini dua negara segera mengekon perjanjian kerja sama pertahanan baru, yang lebih lengkap.

He said the discussion on increasing the new defense cooperation agreement was getting closer to the final stage. "We are in a position that also hopes that the agreement will be signed in the next few months," said Marles during a press conference.

If the cooperation agreement is signed, Marles believes the cooperation will be the most significant form of defense partnership in the history of relations between Indonesia and Australia.

"It will also be the most important moment in this bilateral relationship," said Marles.

In the same press conference, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto estimated that the agreement would be signed by two countries in the next 2'3 months.

"We are planning for a short time to sign a defense cooperation agreement with Australia which is likely to be completed and signed in another 2'3 months," Prabowo said.