Indonesia has denied reports that Russia requested to base military aircraft in Papua, dismissing claims that raised alarm in Australia. Officials reaffirm no such deal exists, as both Indonesia and Australia stress their close defence relationship.
Indonesia has firmly denied reports that Russia requested permission to base military aircraft in its easternmost province of Papua, following concerns raised by Australian officials. The claim, initially published by defence outlet Janes, suggested Moscow had approached Jakarta to station Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) aircraft in the region — a report Indonesia's defence ministry labelled as “incorrect.”
Frega Wenas, spokesperson for Indonesia’s defence ministry, dismissed the report outright. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles echoed this, stating that his Indonesian counterpart had assured him “in the clearest possible terms” that no such arrangement exists.
The claim sparked debate during Australia’s ongoing election campaign, particularly as Papua lies just 1,200 km north of Darwin, a key Australian military hub hosting a U.S. Marines rotational force. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that his government had sought clarification, stressing a desire to limit Russian influence in the region.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s foreign ministry said it had no knowledge of the reported request. Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Tuesday, though no public statement linked the visit to military cooperation.
Both nations reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties, with Australia calling Indonesia “critical” to its national security.
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