Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that Russia has sought permission to station military aircraft at Manuhua Air Force Base in Biak, located in Indonesia’s Papua province. This development has elicited concern from neighboring countries, particularly Australia, due to the base’s proximity—approximately 1,200 kilometers—to the Australian city of Darwin.
According to a report by Janes, Russia’s request aimed to deploy long-range bombers and transport aircraft at the Indonesian facility. However, Indonesian officials have denied receiving any formal request from Moscow regarding such military cooperation. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that his Indonesian counterpart assured him that the reports were “simply not true” .
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed Australia’s stance on the matter, emphasizing the country’s opposition to increased Russian influence in the region. “We obviously do not want to see Russian influence in our region,” Albanese remarked, reaffirming Australia’s support for Ukraine and its commitment to regional stability .
The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, where strategic military placements are closely monitored by neighboring nations. While the Indonesian government has dismissed the reports, the incident highlights the ongoing geopolitical sensitivities and the importance of transparent communication among countries in the area.
