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Report: Russia Seeks Military Aircraft Base in Indonesia, Near Australia
CANBERRA – Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, reports have surfaced indicating Russia is allegedly seeking to establish a base for its military aircraft in Indonesia’s Papua region, a location strategically proximate to Australia’s northern border. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged these reports, stating that officials are actively seeking further clarification on the matter. The potential for increased Russian military presence in the region has sparked concern in Canberra, prompting a cautious yet firm response from the Australian government.
Australian Government Expresses Concern
Prime Minister Albanese addressed the matter publicly, underscoring Australia’s clear opposition to expanded Russian influence in the region. “We obviously do not want to witness Russian influence in our region, very clearly,” Albanese stated on Tuesday. He reiterated Australia’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing, “We maintain a position of standing with Ukraine, viewing Vladimir Putin as an authoritarian leader who has violated international law and is aggressing against the sovereignty of Ukraine.”
Deputy Prime Minister Downplays Initial Report
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles offered a more tempered reaction to the report originating from defence and security news source, Janes. The report outlined that Moscow had purportedly submitted a formal request to Jakarta seeking authorization for Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) aircraft, including long-range models, to be stationed at facilities in Biak.
Strategic Location of Biak Airbase
The airbase at Biak, situated in Indonesia’s easternmost Papua province, currently serves as the home of the Indonesian Air Force’s Aviation Squadron 27, which operates CN235 surveillance aircraft. Biak’s geographical position, approximately 1,400km from Darwin, Australia, enhances its strategic importance in the region.
Indonesia Yet to Respond to Request
Marles highlighted that Jakarta has not yet officially acknowledged or responded to the purported Russian request. “I’d note at this juncture, Indonesia has not responded to this request,” he commented. “We will continue engaging with Indonesia in a manner consistent with the close and amicable relationship between our two nations.”
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He further emphasized the ongoing bilateral defense cooperation between Australia and Indonesia. “We have maintained a strong focus on developing our bilateral relationship with Indonesia, encompassing our bilateral defense relationship.”
Foreign Minister Seeks Confirmation
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking at a separate press briefing, confirmed her awareness of the reports and indicated the government’s active efforts to ascertain further details. “We, as a government, have initiated action to verify these reports and to understand their veracity and the current status of any requests from Russia,” Wong stated.
Analysts Doubt Indonesia Will Approve Request
While senior Indonesian military officials and the Russian embassy in Jakarta have not immediately commented on the reported proposal, analysts suggest that the granting of such an unconventional request remains improbable due to significant geopolitical risks.
“Even if Russia is proposing to utilize an Indonesian airbase, I am doubtful that the government will permit it. The repercussions would be very significant,” stated Yohanes Sulaiman, a defense analyst and lecturer at General Achmad Yani university. “The Indonesian military is strongly opposed to allowing foreign countries to establish military bases within Indonesia.”
Indonesia’s Independent Foreign Policy
Indonesia adheres to a long-standing foreign policy doctrine known as “bebas aktif,” or “independent and active,” which underscores its commitment to non-alignment on the global stage.
In recent years, Indonesia has participated in joint military exercises with various nations, including the United States, Australia, and China. Notably, in November 2024, Indonesia and Russia conducted their inaugural bilateral naval exercise off Java, a move that sparked controversy in the context of widespread condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Strengthening Defense Ties
Indonesia and Russia have previously affirmed their commitment to bolstering their defense partnerships, particularly during a February meeting. This meeting occurred shortly after Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, gained full membership in the Brics bloc of developing economies, where Russia is a founding member. The unfolding situation will be closely monitored by regional observers and international stakeholders alike.