Moscow: Russia has responded to claims it is trying to station military aircraft at an Indonesian air base, defending its defense ties with Jakarta while criticizing Australia's involvement in the AUKUS pact and its plans to host U.S. military assets.
The controversy stems from a report by military outlet Janes, which suggested Moscow sought access to the Manuhua Air Base in Papua for its long-range aircraft. The story triggered heated political discussions in Australia, with the country’s Defence Minister Richard Marles receiving private assurances from Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto that such an arrangement would not be allowed.
Although no definitive public denial has come from Prabowo or Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that there is no official record of any such request from Russia. Ministry spokesperson Dahnil Simanjuntak said he had reviewed the minutes from a February meeting with Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and found no mention of a request for base access.
"I was confused when asked about this. I don’t know where this came from," he said, reiterating that Indonesia’s neutral foreign policy prohibits hosting foreign military forces.
Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, also stopped short of confirming the report but emphasized strong military cooperation between the two countries. He said such collaboration, including air force ties, was focused on mutual defense and did not threaten regional security.
In his comments, Tolchenov shifted attention to Australia, claiming that deployments of U.S. troops and bombers in northern Australia were more destabilizing to the Asia-Pacific. He raised concerns over U.S. intermediate-range missile plans for Australia and criticized the AUKUS agreement, which will see Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
The Australian government, meanwhile, has attacked Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for allegedly misrepresenting statements by President Subianto. The opposition, in turn, is pressing the government for more transparency about the claims surrounding Russia’s approach to Indonesia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged caution about taking the original Janes report at face value, while Defence Minister Marles declined to confirm any classified details. He did, however, underscore that Indonesia had made it “absolutely clear” there was no chance Russian aircraft would be operating from its territory.
