Indonesia dismisses report Russia seeking to base aircraft in country as simply not true, Australia says
Guardian4 days ago
Russia's Reported Indonesia Base Request Sparks Australian Concerns
Above: A Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter prepares to take off during Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on Feb. 11, 2025. Image copyright: Arun Sankar/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The potential Russian military presence in Indonesia would pose a dangerous and serious strategic threat to Australia's northern defense perimeter, enabling surveillance of US-Australian military activities and compromising regional security arrangements.
Narrative B
Indonesia maintains its commitment to non-alignment and the constitutional prohibition of foreign military bases while continuing to develop balanced relationships with various international partners through defense cooperation and joint exercises. Australia has no need for concern.