A report claiming Russia sought to base war planes in Indonesia has been dismissed as false. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed through contact with Jakarta that no such arrangement would occur. This controversy has emerged in the context of Australia’s electoral campaign, highlighting national security concerns and diplomatic relations with Indonesia amidst growing scrutiny of Russian influence in the region.
Recent reports indicating that Russia sought permission to station war planes in Indonesia have been officially dismissed as false. The claims originated from the respected international journal, Janes, leading to urgent inquiries from the Australian Federal Government. Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed after contacting Jakarta that the Indonesian Government had refuted these reports and stated there would be no Russian war planes in Indonesia.
Minister Marles conveyed his assurances from his Indonesian counterpart, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, emphasizing that the idea of Russian aircraft operating from Indonesian territories is unfounded. Minister Marles stated, “I have spoken to my counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Minister for Defence, and he has said to me in the clearest possible terms, reports of the prospect of Russian aircraft operating from Indonesia are simply not true.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed surprise at the report while asserting that the government was attempting to verify its authenticity. He reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and described Russian President Vladimir Putin as an authoritarian violating international law. Albanese stated, “We obviously do not want to see Russian influence in our region.”
The contentious issue of Russia’s potential influence has emerged as a focal point in the lead-up to Australia’s Federal elections. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized the situation, labeling it a possible “catastrophic failure of diplomatic relations” should the government have been unaware of Russia’s request. He insisted, “We need to make sure that the government explains exactly what has happened here… [Putin] is not welcome in our neighbourhood.”
The Janes report highlighted an increase in the Moscow-Jakarta relationship, noting an official request submitted by Russia to station various long-range aircraft at an Indonesian airbase in Biak. This request reportedly followed a meeting in February 2025 between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Minister Sjamsoeddin. The Indonesian base mentioned is used by the local Air Force, which operates surveillance aircraft.
The controversy arises amidst news of the recent departure of Russia’s ambassador to Australia, Alexey Pavlovsky, with speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding his exit. Minister Marles refrained from commenting on the government’s knowledge of the ambassador’s departure or its implications.
The recent reports about Russia’s potential stationing of war planes in Indonesia have been categorically denied by both the Australian and Indonesian governments. This situation has sparked significant political discourse within Australia, particularly concerning national security as the Federal elections approach. The assurance from Indonesian officials, backed by Minister Marles, emphasizes the importance of maintaining robust diplomatic relations. Australia’s firm stance on opposing Russian influence in the region is reaffirmed by leaders across the political spectrum.
Original Source: psnews.com.au
