Russia’s reported decision to station military aircraft in Indonesia raised eyebrows among U.S. allies—especially Australia—but Indonesian officials swiftly dismissed the claim, with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stating it was “simply not true.”
The original report, published by defense outlet Janes, alleged that Moscow had filed an official request to use an airbase in Biak, Papua, yet both Indonesian lawmakers and analysts have emphasized that allowing foreign military bases would violate the country’s constitution and invite unnecessary geopolitical tension.
While Indonesia has balanced military cooperation with major powers—holding naval drills with Russia in 2024 and regular exercises with the U.S. and Australia—it remains committed to its “independent and active” foreign policy, avoiding military entanglements and preserving neutrality.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a new BRICS member, Indonesia continues to assert its sovereignty while navigating a complex global landscape, showing it won’t easily be drawn into power plays from either East or West.
