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Indonesia Denies Russian Request to Base Military Aircraft at Papua Air Force Base

Australian officials seek further clarification as regional security concerns escalate over Russia's reported request, which Indonesia has firmly denied.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends a press conference after visiting Government House to dissolve Parliament and call an election in Canberra, Australia, March 28, 2025. AAP/Mick Tsikas via REUTERS//File Photo
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Overview

  • Indonesia's Defence Minister has assured Australia that no formal request from Russia to base military aircraft at Manuhua Air Force Base in Papua has been received or approved.
  • The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is actively engaging with Indonesia to verify reports and address potential regional security implications.
  • The report originated from the military publication Janes, which claimed Russia sought permission to use the base, located approximately 1,200 km from Darwin.
  • Historical context includes a 2017 incident where Russian bombers operated from the same base, raising concerns about Moscow's strategic intentions in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Indonesia's long-standing non-alignment foreign policy and its deepening defence ties with both Australia and the U.S. make it unlikely to accommodate such a request from Russia.