Australia’s new security treaty with Indonesia is heavy on symbolism but light on substance. As President Prabowo Subianto tightens his grip on power, warm rhetoric from Canberra risks obscuring growing democratic regression and human rights abuses.

As head of a democracy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s duties include praising foreign leaders who despise his views and smile as they shake his hand. That’s one of the pains of high office.

Last week, the proffered palm belonged to Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, 74. He runs the world’s fourth-largest nation (287 million), a former general with an alleged record of human rights abuses. To authoritarians he’s a role model.

Photos of PM Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong signing a ’treaty’ and getting lavish attention in Jakarta last week reinforced Albanese’s claim for the “biggest step the countries have taken together in 30 years.”

But the pomp and horsiness is regular hospitality as world leaders pay homage at the Presidential Palace. During his first year in the job Prabowo made 33 state visits, so there’s been much reciprocity.

Earlier, Albanese had said: “Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is based on friendship, trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace and stability in our region.

“This treaty is a recognition from both our nations that the best way to secure that peace and stability is by acting together.''

This is welcome fare, but prepared by Canberra’s cautious word cooks on a slow stove to remove impurities. Australia may have a treaty, but most Indonesian media have seen it has a side dish, not the main course.

For Indonesian academic Hangga Fathana, it’s “an agreement that reassures more than it constrains … the language focuses on consultation and coordination without requiring concrete action.

“The placebo effect is not........

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