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The international defence community and Australian government have been left scrambling following speculation that Russia has requested basing rights for long-range aircraft in Indonesia.
Australian officials are seeking clarity on the details, which were originally published by defence media website Janes, regarding the latest possible deepening of military ties between the two countries since Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was elected as leader in October 2024.
Russia is reportedly seeking permission for Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft to be based at a facility in Indonesia’s easternmost province which is already home to the Indonesian Air Force’s Aviation Squadron 27, Janes reported. The base is approximately 1,300 kilometres from Darwin and the Indonesian government has reportedly ruled out the possibility of any foreign military bases on its soil.
“What we’re seeking is proper clarification, that’s the way you deal with international relations, making sure you’re not flying from the hip,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, speaking about the news.
“What we didn’t do when the United States made its decision on tariffs was question our defence relationship with the United States … We’ll respond in an appropriate way with our friends in Indonesia, we are seeking further information (because) we obviously don’t want to see Russian influence in our region.”
Diplomatically, Indonesia has traditionally tread a fine line between East/West alliances, although the country has previously negotiated for Russian military equipment such as fighter aircraft and did officially join the Russian/Chinese-led BRICS group in January this year.
