Overview

• Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin assured Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles that reports of Russian aircraft being based in Papua are untrue.
• The report, initially published by military intelligence site Janes, claimed Russia had officially requested access to the Manuhua Air Force Base in Papua, Indonesia.
• Australia has sought clarification from Indonesia about the report, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressing concerns over potential Russian influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Russia has not confirmed or denied the alleged request but emphasized its ongoing military cooperation with Indonesia, citing it as a bilateral matter.
• The issue has fueled political debate in Australia, with opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized for misrepresenting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's stance on the matter.