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.
Indonesia has assured Australia that no Russian military aircraft will be stationed at an airbase in its Papua province, dismissing recent reports as false, according to Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Indonesian authorities have arrested three judges involved in the acquittal of major palm oil firms in a high-profile corruption case, deepening a growing scandal that has now implicated the chief judge of South Jakarta District Court and several legal officials.
Rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region have claimed responsibility for killing more than 17 individuals since the weekend, accusing them of being soldiers disguised as gold miners. The insurgents also stated that they are holding two hostages.
Indonesia seeks a fair and equal trade relationship with the U.S. after the imposition of a 32% tariff, aiming for diplomacy and negotiations instead of retaliation. The country is considering increasing imports of U.S. goods and offering tax cuts in response to the tariffs.
Indonesia will not retaliate against U.S. trade tariffs, opting instead to pursue dialogue and negotiations, a senior official said Sunday in the government’s first response to the measures imposed by President Donald Trump.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
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