Head of the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong expressed concerns about Russia potentially accessing an airbase in eastern Indonesia. This raised questions about regional security that Jakarta should discuss with Canberra. Retired Russian Air Force Major-General Vladimir Popov shared insights with the media about Australia’s fears and the basis for their assumptions.
“Indeed, Indonesia has long-standing relations with Russia, and Russia maintains relations with countries in our region,” said Penny Wong, according to ABC News of Australia. She also noted that the defense collaboration agreement with Indonesia requires both countries to consult on mutual concerns.
In April, Janes reported Moscow’s request to Jakarta for access to the Manuhua airbase in Biak-Numfor, Papua, to station Russian Aerospace Force planes. This information worried Australia due to the base’s proximity to the northern territory’s capital — approximately 1400 kilometers away.
Russia refrained from commenting, dismissing it as part of media speculation and sensitive area publications. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated they had never heard of such a request from Russia.
Renowned military pilot Major-General Vladimir Popov explained that potential presence of Russian aircraft in Indonesia could be to train Indonesian military personnel in handling these aircraft. He emphasized the need to support the aircraft’s technical condition and conduct pilot training to ensure the safe operation of the sold planes, highlighting the global practice of such processes.
Popov reassured that Australia has nothing to fear, attributing Australian politicians’ apprehension to anti-Russian narratives in Western countries. He stated that Russian planes flying in Indonesia’s airspace is not a cause for alarm, as it is a standard practice for international cooperation in such matters.
Deixe um comentário