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.
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda betw...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and D...
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celeb...
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconfer...
Indonesian rescue teams have located two Singaporeans who went missing after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday (8 May) on the island of Halmahera, though authorities say it remains unclear whether they are alive.
Leaders of Southeast Asian nations gathered in the Philippines on 8 May for an ASEAN summit focused heavily on the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, with member states seeking a coordinated response to rising energy and food security risks.
The death toll from a train collision near Indonesia’s capital Jakarta rose to 14 women on Tuesday (28 April), with 84 people injured, after rescuers completed efforts to free passengers trapped in the wreckage, the state rail operator said.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The global race to develop quantum computing is accelerating, with governments and technology firms investing heavily in what is expected to become a major new computing era.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celebrations across New York City.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment