Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected a provocative warning from Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, labelling it “propaganda” and reaffirming Australia’s strong ties with Indonesia amid reports of a possible Russian military base in the region.
In a letter published in The Jakarta Post, Russian envoy Sergei Tolchenov claimed Australia had “no cards” to play in preventing potential military cooperation between Russia and Indonesia.
The letter followed reports that Moscow had requested to base aircraft at Biak Island in eastern Indonesia, about 1,300km from Darwin.
Albanese dismissed the warning, stating, “Russia has very different values under an authoritarian leader. I have no wish to help promote Russia’s propaganda messages.”
The Indonesian government has denied granting permission for any foreign military base.
“Reports of the prospect of Russian aircraft operating from Indonesia are simply not true,” said Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, quoting his Indonesian counterpart.
Despite the denials, the Russian letter intensified political tensions in Australia, with the opposition demanding briefings and accusing the government of obfuscation.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticised ministers for inconsistent messaging, but Albanese maintained that Australia’s national interest lies in upholding truth, not amplifying Russian disinformation.
Russia also took aim at Australia’s security relationship with the United States, referencing AUKUS and US military presence on Australian soil.
Tolchenov accused both major Australian parties of “playing the Russian card” for political gain during an election cycle.
Indonesia’s Defence Ministry reiterated there was no agreement with Russia, and both Jakarta and Canberra have worked to reaffirm their partnership, which includes around 20 joint military exercises annually.
The Australian government remains confident in its longstanding strategic ties with Indonesia, underpinned by the 2006 Lombok Treaty and the 2023 Defence Cooperation Agreement.
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