April 16, 2025 | 12:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the news about Russia's proposal to use military bases on the territory of the Republic of Indonesia is false.
"Reports about the proposal for using Indonesian bases by Russia, the Defense Ministry clarifies that the news is false. Thank you," said Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, Head of the Public Relations and Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defense in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, as quoted from Antara.
The Australian media, ABC, reported the news about Russia's plan to build an air base in Indonesia. In an article titled Russia 'Working Quietly' on Indonesia Military Ties Before Air Base Storm, ABC wrote about Russia's plan.
In its report, ABC said that Russia had requested to place fighter jets at an air base in Indonesia. ABC mentioned Indonesia's denial but stated that the relationship between Moscow and Jakarta is becoming closer.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defense Minister Richard Marles also said it would not happen. However, according to ABC, Indonesian and Russian diplomats have discussed it for years.
In October, Moscow's ambassador to Jakarta, Sergei Tolchenov, told the Russian government news agency, TASS, that military cooperation is an "integral" part of the relationship between the two countries. But he did not mention any specific topics or projects.
Tolchenov said they are working quietly in this direction. Business, diplomacy, and especially technical-military areas prefer silence. He ensures there will be substantive agreements.
Member of the Indonesian House Commission I TB Hasanuddin, also commented. He said that the establishment of foreign military bases in Indonesian territory violates the constitution and is contrary to the principle of Indonesia's free and active foreign policy, which is the main basis of Indonesian diplomacy.
"The constitution and various laws expressly prohibit the presence of foreign military bases. This is not just a legal matter but concerns the principle of national sovereignty and the direction of our foreign policy," said TB Hasanuddin on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, as quoted from Antara.
He also warned that the presence of foreign military bases, especially in Southeast Asia, has the potential to trigger tensions among ASEAN member states and disrupt regional stability.
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