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.
At least 13 people have died and six others are missing after a stone quarry collapsed in West Java, Indonesia, on Friday morning, local officials confirmed.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new defense pact on Wednesday that could lead to more orders of French military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta to discuss strengthening defence cooperation and mining partnerships between the two countries.
Indonesia and China signed four new memorandums of understanding to deepen economic cooperation across key sectors, reaffirming their commitment to free trade during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Jakarta.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to "true multilateralism" during a visit to Jakarta, signaling deeper cooperation with Indonesia amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 1st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 1st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 1st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
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