Australia has signed a joint statement with Indonesia to build a more secure and peaceful region, Australian Defence Force chief Angus Houston says.

Air Chief Marshal Houston co-signed the statement with his counterpart, Indonesia's commander in chief of Armed Forces, General Djoko Santoso, on Monday.

The signing builds on an "already strong defence relationship", the statement from Defence says. "Australia is committed to working with Indonesia as a partner to build a secure and peaceful region," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

The joint statement symbolised the relationship between both countries and a "clear direction" for future cooperation, he said.

The statement outlines Australia's support for Indonesia in areas of counter-terrorism, maritime security and intelligence as well as humanitarian assistance.