15th Year of Indonesia-Australia Defence Alumni Association, Committed to Stable Region

Jakarta: This year, the Indonesia–Australia Defence Alumni Association (IKAHAN) celebrates its 15th anniversary. IKAHAN reflects the longstanding commitment of Indonesia and Australia to a strong and productive defence relationship.

“Defence cooperation between Australia and Indonesia continues to strengthen, demonstrating our commitment to each other and to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. IKAHAN has played a key role deepening the connections between people that form the foundation of this cooperation,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, quoted from Embassy statement, Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Australia and Indonesia have shared a close defence relationship for more than 75 years. In 1947, after Indonesia selected Australia as its representative on the UN Committee negotiating an agreement for independence, Australian military observers were welcomed to Indonesia by the Indonesian people.

In the early 1960s, Australian Defence Force officers began training in Indonesia and Indonesian National Armed Forces officers began training in Australia. Since then, thousands of Australian and Indonesian officers have worked, studied, and trained together.



The Indonesian co-founder of IKAHAN, ADML TNI (Ret) Agus Suhartono said, “IKAHAN is an outstanding example of the value and importance of investing in connections between people, especially for such close neighbours as Indonesia and Australia. Congratulations on fifteen years of IKAHAN.”  

Since its establishment, IKAHAN has been a bridge for communication and strategic cooperation at all levels, from our cadets through to senior defence leaders from both countries. It is a true reflection of the high regard and respect we have for one another,” added the Hon. GEN (Ret) David Hurley, Australian co-founder of IKAHAN.

The Australia-Indonesia defence relationship continues to deepen with the announcement of the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security by President Prabowo and Prime Minister Albanese. The Treaty builds on the 2024 Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement and the 2006 Lombok Treaty.

IKAHAN was established in 2011 as a formal alumni association. It is Indonesia’s first defence alumni association and currently has over 5,000 members, spanning all ranks and services.