A Janes report claimed Russia requested to base war planes in Indonesia, causing concern in Australia. Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Indonesia dismissed the report as false. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed opposition to Russian influence, while opposition leader Peter Dutton called for diplomatic accountability. The request reportedly involved long-range aircraft stationed at an air base in Papua.
A recent report from Janes indicated that Russia sought permission from Indonesia to station war planes near Australia, specifically 1,300 kilometers from Darwin. The Australian Federal Government reacted promptly, with Defence Minister Richard Marles contacting Jakarta, only to find out the report was false, as confirmed by Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Mr. Marles stated, “reports of the prospect of Russian aircraft operating from Indonesia are simply not true.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, surprised by the report, emphasized Australia’s stance against Russian influence in the region while reaffirming support for Ukraine. He remarked, “We obviously do not want to see Russian influence in our region” and criticized President Vladimir Putin’s actions, labeling him an authoritarian who has violated international law.
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, characterized the situation as a potential diplomatic failure, expressing concern over the implications of Russian military assets stationed in Indonesia. Dutton asserted the need for clarity on the matter and reiterated Australia’s strong relationship with Indonesia, stating, “my message to President Putin is that we don’t share any values with President Putin, and we do not want a presence, a military presence, from Russia in our region.”
Janes’ report detailed how Moscow submitted an official request to Jakarta for long-range aircraft to be based in Biak, Papua, following discussions between Russian and Indonesian officials. The report specified plans for utilizing facilities at the Manuhua Air Force Base, which is currently home to Indonesian military operations and surveillance activities.
This incident arose shortly after news of the departure of Russia’s ambassador to Australia, Alexey Pavlovsky, adding further context to the evolving dynamics between Russia and Australia. Mr. Marles refrained from revealing details concerning the ambassador’s exit from Australia.
In conclusion, the reported request from Russia to station war planes in Indonesia has been unequivocally dismissed by the Indonesian government. Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed this dismissal and highlighted Australia’s resolve against any Russian military presence in the region. Furthermore, the political ramifications this issue has generated emphasize national security as a key component in Australia’s ongoing electoral discourse, as leaders express their commitment to regional stability and support for Ukraine.
Original Source: psnews.com.au
