07/09/2026
Indonesia Interested in Joining Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
Indonesia has shown interest in joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral defence framework established by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. The development could potentially broaden the agreement’s regional reach and add Southeast Asia’s largest Muslim-majority country to the emerging security framework.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7, 2026, by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement provides for enhanced defence cooperation and collective deterrence, including a provision that an armed attack against one of the three signatories would be regarded as an attack against all.
Indonesia’s Interest
Indonesia’s interest comes as the Makkah agreement begins moving from a political understanding toward a more institutionalized defence partnership. On August 31, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan agreed to establish a permanent secretariat in Saudi Arabia to support cooperation under the agreement.
Pakistan has also stated that the Makkah Accord is purely defensive, is not directed against any particular country, and remains open to other regional states that are willing to uphold its principles and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
Potential Significance for Indonesia
If Indonesia eventually joins, its participation could give the agreement a stronger Asian and maritime dimension. Indonesia has one of the world’s largest Muslim populations and maintains extensive diplomatic, economic and defence relationships across the Middle East and Asia.
Indonesia’s involvement could also create opportunities for greater cooperation in areas such as defence technology, military training, maritime security, defence industries and strategic coordination.
For Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, Indonesia’s potential participation could further expand the network of countries cooperating under the Makkah framework.
A Developing Regional Defence Framework
The agreement is still in its early stages. Its three founding members have begun institutionalizing cooperation, including plans for a Saudi-based secretariat and greater collaboration in defence industries, joint production and technology development.
Indonesia’s reported interest therefore comes at a significant moment as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement develops from a three-country arrangement into a potentially broader regional security framework.
However, Indonesia’s interest should not be presented as confirmed membership unless Jakarta formally announces that it has decided to join the agreement. At present, the key development is reported interest rather than confirmed accession.
