Overview

• Reports of a Russian request to base military aircraft in Indonesia's Papua province remain unconfirmed, with Indonesia denying the claim and Russia neither confirming nor denying it.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labeled Russia's statements as propaganda and reiterated that Australia supports Indonesia's sovereignty and non-aligned foreign policy.
• The issue has become a focal point in Australia's federal election, with the opposition demanding security briefings while the government maintains there is no imminent threat.
• Russian Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov criticized Australian leaders for allegedly stoking anti-Russian sentiment, asserting that military cooperation with Indonesia is a bilateral matter.
• Indonesia and Australia continue to emphasize their strong security ties under agreements like the 2006 Lombok Treaty, countering narratives of Russian influence in the region.