Reports of a Russian request to base war planes in Indonesia, close to Australia, have been declared false by Indonesian officials. Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Indonesian government denied such claims. The incident has raised national security concerns ahead of federal elections, with leaders emphasizing strong opposition to Russian military influence in the region.
Reports have emerged regarding Russia’s alleged request to station war planes in Indonesia, approximately 1,300 kilometers from Northern Australia. This information was published by the respected defense journal Janes, prompting the Australian Federal Government to urgently address the situation. In a call with Jakarta, Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Indonesian Government rejected the report as unfounded and assured that no Russian aircraft would be stationed in Indonesia.
Minister Marles relayed information from his Indonesian counterpart, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who clearly stated that the allegations of Russian aircraft operating from Indonesia were false. Additionally, international news outlets have reported assurances from Indonesian officials affirming the inaccuracy of the Janes report. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed surprise at the initial report and emphasized Australia’s commitment to countering Russian influence in the region while supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In the backdrop of the upcoming Federal elections, questions regarding national security have intensified. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton highlighted that it would represent a significant diplomatic failure if Australia had not been informed about the inquiries from Russia. He criticized the development as troubling and expressed Australia’s firm rejection of any military presence from Russia in the vicinity, reasserting strong ties with Indonesia.
The original Janes report indicates that Moscow had filed an official request for Russian aircraft to be based in Biak, a location within Indonesia’s Papua province. This request reportedly followed a meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in February 2025. The specific aircraft included in the request would operate from Manuhua Air Force Base, which shares facilities with a civilian airport.
The situation concerning Moscow’s request coincides with the quiet exit of Alexey Pavlovsky, Russia’s long-term ambassador to Australia, raising additional questions about the state of diplomatic relations. While the Federal Government has been tight-lipped about the details of his departure, the timing underlines the complexities of international relations in the region.
In summary, the Australian Defence Minister confirmed that the allegations regarding Russian war planes being stationed in Indonesia are baseless, as affirmed by Indonesian officials. The incident has heightened national security discussions amid the election campaign. Key leaders underscored the importance of maintaining strong relations with Indonesia and opposing any military presence from Russia in the region. The evolving diplomatic situation remains a focal point as federal elections approach, highlighting Australia’s strategic interests in national security and international partnerships.
Original Source: psnews.com.au
