Indonesia Rejects Russian Proposal for Military Aircraft Base in Papua

Indonesia has firmly dismissed reports of a Russian proposal to station long-range military aircraft at an air force base in Papua, reiterating its commitment to a foreign policy that prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases on its soil. The denial comes amid growing regional concerns, particularly from Australia, over potential Russian military presence in the strategically significant region of Papua, located just 1,200 kilometers north of Darwin.

Reports of Russian Request Spark Controversy

On April 21, 2025, defense publication Janes reported that Russia had sought permission from Jakarta to base several long-range Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) aircraft at the Manuhua Air Force Base in Biak Numfor regency, Papua. The base, which shares a runway with Frans Kaisiepo Airport, was allegedly the subject of discussions following a meeting between Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Russia’s top security official, Sergei Shoigu, in Jakarta in February. According to the report, which cited anonymous government sources and official documents, the Indonesian Air Force had previously allowed VKS aircraft, including Tupolev Tu-95 bombers and Il-76 airlifters, to land at the base on certain occasions.

The Janes report further noted that Indonesia’s Defense Ministry was consulting with other ministries, including the Foreign Ministry, on how to respond to the formal request. However, no official acknowledgment of the proposal had been issued at the time of the report’s publication. If confirmed, such a move would mark a significant shift in Indonesia’s traditionally non-aligned foreign policy, raising questions about the implications for regional security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific.

Official Denials from Jakarta

Responding swiftly to the speculation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah “Roy” Soemirat denied any knowledge of the request. In a statement on April 23, 2025, he emphasized Indonesia’s stance against hosting foreign military bases. “Indonesia has never granted permission to any countries to build or base their aircraft in the country” said Roy. He underscored the nation’s “free and active” foreign policy, which permits foreign aircraft or ships to visit or pass through Indonesian territory only under peaceful missions.

Roy also referenced a long-standing but unresolved proposal from Russia to develop a spaceport in Biak for satellite launches, an idea first floated in 2006. “The talks started years ago, but it has yet to reach an agreement” he added. Meanwhile, Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Frega Wena Inkiriwang echoed Roy’s sentiments, denying any agreement or cooperation that could lead to a foreign military presence on Indonesian soil, as reported by local outlet Tempo.co.

Australian Concerns and Regional Tensions

The reported Russian proposal has not gone unnoticed by Indonesia’s southern neighbor, Australia, where the issue has become a focal point in the ongoing election campaign. On April 21, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly sought clarification from Jakarta, expressing unease over the potential for Russian military influence in the region. “We obviously do not want to see Russian influence in our region” Albanese stated, as quoted by Reuters. He highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Canberra and Jakarta, suggesting that dialogue would resolve any misunderstandings.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles also confirmed that he had discussed the matter with his Indonesian counterpart, who reassured him that no Russian aircraft would be based in Indonesia, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Foreign Minister Penny Wong further emphasized Indonesia’s critical role in Australian security, pointing to a defense cooperation agreement signed between the two nations in 2024. Papua’s proximity to Darwin, where a rotational force of US Marines is stationed for six months each year and Australian air bases are being upgraded to host US bombers, adds a layer of geopolitical sensitivity to the situation.

Russian Perspective and Broader Implications

The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped on the matter, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declining to comment on what he described as potentially false media reports. “There are a lot of different pieces of fake news around, publications in the media, including those that relate to sensitive areas. But in this case, we are not commenting on such publications” Peskov said during a call with reporters, as reported by Reuters. However, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov offered a more nuanced response in a statement published by The Jakarta Post on April 24. While neither confirming nor denying the proposal, he described military cooperation as an “integral part” of Russia-Indonesia relations, including ties between their respective air forces.

Tolchenov insisted that such cooperation was aimed at strengthening defensive capabilities and posed “no threat to security in the Asia-Pacific region.” He shifted focus to Australia, criticizing the rotational deployment of foreign military forces on Australian territory and expressing alarm over discussions to deploy US intermediate-range missiles in Australia, which could reach ASEAN countries, including Indonesia. He also referenced the AUKUS trilateral partnership, under which Australia is set to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, as a potential destabilizing factor in the region.

The ambassador’s remarks highlight the broader geopolitical chessboard at play, where Indonesia finds itself navigating complex relationships with major powers. Russia’s interest in deepening military ties with Indonesia, if confirmed, could be seen as part of a wider strategy to expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific, countering Western dominance in the region. For Indonesia, maintaining its non-aligned stance while managing external pressures from both Russia and Western allies like Australia and the US remains a delicate balancing act.

Indonesia’s Strategic Position and Foreign Policy

Indonesia’s rejection of foreign military bases is rooted in its “free and active” foreign policy, a doctrine established in the post-independence era under President Sukarno. This principle commits Indonesia to avoiding formal military alliances and maintaining neutrality in global conflicts, while actively engaging in international diplomacy to promote peace. The policy has been a cornerstone of Indonesia’s identity as the largest nation in Southeast Asia and a key player in ASEAN, which itself prioritizes regional stability and non-interference.

However, Indonesia’s strategic location—straddling vital maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific—and its resource-rich territories like Papua make it an attractive partner for global powers. Papua, in particular, has long been a region of geopolitical interest due to its proximity to Australia and its position along the Pacific Rim. The Manuhua Air Force Base, while primarily a domestic facility, could theoretically serve as a staging point for long-range aircraft, offering significant strategic advantages. Yet, any move to allow foreign military presence would likely provoke domestic opposition and strain relations with neighboring countries, particularly Australia, which views the region as part of its immediate security sphere.

Historical Context of Russia-Indonesia Relations

Russia and Indonesia share a history of military and technical cooperation dating back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union provided military equipment and training to Indonesia during its early years of independence. More recently, the two countries have engaged in joint military exercises and arms deals, though these have often been limited in scope compared to Indonesia’s partnerships with Western nations. The proposal for a spaceport in Biak, mentioned by Roy, reflects a longer-term interest from Moscow in establishing a foothold in Indonesia for non-military purposes, though progress has been slow.

The timing of the alleged aircraft basing request, following high-level talks in February 2025, coincides with Russia’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with non-Western countries amid ongoing tensions with the US and its allies over issues like Ukraine and global sanctions. For Indonesia, engaging with Russia offers potential economic and technological benefits, but it also risks complicating its relationships with other partners, particularly in the context of regional security frameworks like the Quad (comprising the US, Australia, Japan, and India) and AUKUS.

Domestic and Regional Reactions

Within Indonesia, public and political reactions to the reported proposal have been muted so far, likely due to the government’s swift denial. However, any confirmed move to deepen military ties with Russia could reignite debates over national sovereignty and foreign influence, especially in Papua, where local communities have historically been wary of central government decisions affecting their region. Papua remains a sensitive area due to ongoing separatist movements and human rights concerns, and the presence of foreign military assets, even temporarily, could exacerbate tensions if not handled with transparency.

Regionally, Australia’s vocal response underscores the high stakes involved. Canberra’s concerns are not unfounded, given the precedent of rotational US forces in Darwin and the potential for a Russian presence to alter the balance of power in the region. ASEAN, as a collective, has yet to comment on the issue, but member states are likely watching closely, given the bloc’s emphasis on maintaining a “zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality” in Southeast Asia.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Act for Jakarta

As speculation over Russia’s intentions in Papua continues, Indonesia faces the challenge of upholding its non-aligned stance while addressing the concerns of its neighbors and domestic stakeholders. The government’s firm rejection of the reported proposal suggests a cautious approach, but the ambiguity surrounding past landings of Russian aircraft at Manuhua Air Force Base raises questions about the extent of existing military cooperation. For now, Jakarta appears committed to preserving its sovereignty and regional stability, but the evolving geopolitical landscape may test the limits of its neutrality in the years ahead.