A recent report from Janes highlighted that Russia has requested to base aircraft at Manuhua Air Force Base located in Biak Numfor, Papua, Indonesia, roughly 1,300 kilometres from Darwin, Australia. The request has not been officially denied by Indonesian Defence Minister Sjamsoeddin or Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Jennifer Parker, an expert from the Australian National University’s National Security College, remarked that while Indonesia possesses some military leverage, she does not expect this request to be fulfilled. However, she noted that the act of Russia making such a request indicates a broader intention to project power in the Indo-Pacific region. Parker emphasised that Indonesia’s growing relationship with Russia should not be underestimated, posing potential challenges to Australia’s strategic interests.
Despite President Prabowo Subianto’s assertion of Indonesia’s commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy, concerns regarding the nation’s neutrality persist, particularly given Indonesia’s recent joint naval exercises with Russia in the Java Sea. These exercises drew criticism amid Russia’s ongoing conflicts, especially its invasion of Ukraine.
Parker argued that Australia must monitor the strengthening ties between Indonesia and Russia under President Subianto. Senior analyst Dr Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute indicated that it should not be surprising if Indonesia rejects Russia’s request, especially considering possible diplomatic pressures from the US, Japan, and Australia. He expressed hope that a united stance from these nations could prevent any Russian military presence in Indonesia, given the potential threat it poses to Australia’s northern territories.
In light of these developments, Marles reaffirmed that his Indonesian counterpart denied any intentions of allowing Russian aircraft to operate from Indonesian soil. He emphasised that the reports regarding this prospect were categorically false. During a campaign event in Melbourne, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced that Australia and Indonesia share a strong relationship and acknowledged Indonesia’s sovereignty, while recognising the historical complexities of Indonesia’s ties with Russia.
In summary, while Indonesia’s request from Russia raises concerns about geopolitical dynamics in the region, both the Australian and Indonesian leadership have publicly distanced themselves from the idea of Russian military operations on Indonesian territory.