Australia is seeking urgent clarification after reports that Russia has requested to station long-range military aircraft at Indonesia’s Biak Numfor airbase in Papua, just 1,300 kilometres from Darwin.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the government is pursuing “proper clarification” through diplomatic channels. “That’s the way you deal with international relations, making sure you’re not flying from the hip,” he said.
The request, first reported by defence publication Janes, was reportedly made during a February meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Indonesia has yet to publicly respond.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia is engaging with Indonesia at a senior level. “We have a very close relationship with Indonesia and we have a growing defence relationship,” he said. “We will continue to engage with Indonesia in a way that befits this friendship.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticised the government’s handling of the issue, calling it a “catastrophic failure of diplomatic relations” if the Prime Minister was unaware of the request until now. He described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “murderous dictator” and said, “We don’t welcome his presence in our neighbourhood at all.”
Analysts suggest Indonesia is unlikely to approve Russia’s request, given its traditional non-aligned foreign policy. However, recent joint military exercises between Indonesia and Russia indicate warming ties.
The proposed Russian presence near Australia’s northern border has heightened concerns about regional security and the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific.
