PM promises stronger ties with Jakarta 'only the start'

Australia should go further in strengthening ties with Indonesia, the prime minister says, using a visit to Jakarta to push defence links with the Asian power.

Anthony Albanese held formal talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday in the first overseas trip of his second term in office.

Strengthening defence agreements, boosting trade and dealing with tensions in the Indo-Pacific were all on the agenda during the bilateral meeting in the Indonesian capital.

While Australia and Indonesia signed defence agreements in the past, Mr Albanese said it was only a starting point for the relationship.

"I do not see this agreement, though, as the last step, just the next step," he told reporters in Jakarta.

"I want us to aim higher, go further and work even more closely together.

"I am here in Indonesia because no relationship means more to Australia than than this one."

The prime minister was given a spectacular welcome at the presidential palace, with horse-riding soldiers leading his limousine past hundreds of flag-waving school children.

Ahead of the formal talks, Mr Subianto dropped by Mr Albanese's hotel for a quick catch up.

The prime minister stressed Indonesia remained a significant partner in the Indo-Pacific as tensions in the region rose.

"The future of our region is shaped by shared opportunity and secured through collective responsibility," he said.

"The deepening of our trade with Indonesia and the strengthening of investment in Indonesia is natural and vital."

Efforts to strengthen the relationship were dependent on both countries working together to turn "potential into concrete progress", the prime minister said.

"All of us, government, business and civil society, need to demonstrate greater engagement and ambition."

Reports emerged during the federal election campaign that Russia requested to operate long-range military aircraft from an Indonesian base.

Mr Albanese said every senior official in the Indonesian government reassured Australian counterparts it wasn't happening.

"We make very clear our position when it comes to Russia around the world, be it the brutal invasion of Ukraine, its interference in cyber security issues as well, its tolerance of criminal organisations that have been involved in that, are an anathema to our values," he said.

"We'll continue to stand up for Australian values.

"That is something that we'll do both domestically but right around the world."

The prime minister is travelling with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke as part of the Australian delegation.

Security experts have warned Australia to heed Indonesia's concerns about the AUKUS deal and growing US military presence in the region, which Jakarta viewed as increasing strategic competition.

The prime minister will fly to Rome after his trip to Jakarta to attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass.

He will return to Australia next week, after he sits down with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.