Overview

• Indonesia's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that it has never granted permission for foreign military bases, citing its non-aligned foreign policy.
• Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed his Indonesian counterpart called reports of Russian aircraft basing 'completely false.'
• Janes, the military publication that first reported the alleged Russian request, continues to stand by its story, citing anonymous Indonesian government sources.
• Experts suggest Russia's alleged request reflects broader ambitions for Indo-Pacific influence, including intelligence gathering and strategic positioning.
• The controversy underscores great-power competition in the region, with Russia deepening ties with Indonesia through joint naval exercises and economic cooperation.