“We are looking at the deepest, most significant defence agreement between our two nations in our respective histories,” Marles said. “[It is the] first time this has occurred a treaty level, and it is profoundly important.

“In terms of what it provides as a platform for our two Defence Forces – for Indonesians to exercise in Australia and vice versa – it is a very significant statement about the strategic direction of both Indonesia and Australia.”

Prabowo and his vice-presidential running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is the eldest son of Joko, have not officially been declared the winners from this month’s national elections, but reputable quick counts by polling agencies show they are on track to win easily.

Prabowo lost to Joko in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Despite their previous enmity, the former special forces commander found success this time around by promising continuity of Jokowi’s popular nation-building policies.

But Prabowo was his own man, Indonesia watchers noted, and how he would govern from October remained to be seen.

Loading

“I don’t think there will be too many surprises,” Prabowo said. “But one thing is certain, as the deputy prime minister of Australia has mentioned, we are close neighbours, we are destined to be close neighbours, and we are determined to be good neighbours.

“We have very good relationships, historically. We have ups and downs. But we consider Australia a good friend, who in many critical instances have sided with Indonesia.

“We are determined to foster this good relationship in many fields: education, economic, cultural and military.”

Prabowo, however, comes with decades of baggage. Accusations of past human rights abuses were deemed credible enough for the United States to bar him from entry for close to two decades. Australia, too, reportedly had him on a visa blacklist.

Asked if Australia should forget all this, Marles said Prabowo was “very much” a friend.

“He knows our country well. He did his officer training at the Royal Military College of Duntroon. I had the honour and pleasure this time last year to accompany Pak [Mr] Prabowo to a lunch at Duntroon, which I know was a very emotional experience for him … we look forward to continued excellent relationships.”

Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here.