Papua New Guinea officially ratified the long-awaited PNG-Indonesia Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) on February 21, 2024, marking a significant step in their relationship. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, signed the Instrument of Ratification, triggering the agreement's full entry into force. The DCA, first signed in 2010, aims to strengthen military ties, discuss strategic issues, and address border security concerns between the two countries. Ratification will allow coordinated efforts to tackle illegal border activities, improve military surveillance, and promote cooperation in defence operations. The agreement highlights PNG's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and promoting peaceful coexistence with Indonesia. Minister Tkatchenko said the DCA will be reviewed five years from the date of the entry into force of the agreement. He stressed that the DCA is of critical importance of security for the internal stability and international credibility of PNG because it security, encompassing commerce, trade, and safeguarding national identity, is essential for fostering trade, investment, and business relationships. He further said that addressing security challenges along the border corridor, especially through agreements like the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with Indonesia, is vital for enhancing PNG’s security capabilities and ensuring its sovereignty. “We must be able to provide assurance to our people, that we are able to guarantee Papua New Guinea’s well being and safety, and at the same time protect investment and foreign citizens living in our country.” “Through this DCA we hope that we can build a resilient PNG through these sorts of collaborative arrangements." "Having ratified the DCA, PNG will now institute the necessary internal arrangements in collaboration with the relevant line agencies such as the Department of Defence, the PNG Defence Force including the Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the Agreement." The Indonesian Government while waiting for the Papua New Guinea Government to formally ratify the Defence Cooperation Agreement, has rendered support to the PNG Defence Force by mutual interest of strengthening the military relationship. The assistance rendered includes provision to the military band; training of PNG Defense Force Personnel at the Indonesia military staff college and aiding the PNG Defence Force CASA rehabilitation program.