Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly dismissed a provocative statement from Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, calling it “propaganda,” amid rising concerns over reports of a potential Russian military presence in the Indo-Pacific.
In a recent letter published by The Jakarta Post, Russian envoy Sergei Tolchenov claimed that Australia had “no cards” to play in opposing potential military cooperation between Moscow and Jakarta. This comment follows reports suggesting that Russia has requested to station aircraft on Biak Island, located in eastern Indonesia and just 1,300 kilometers from Darwin, Australia.
Responding to the claim, PM Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s robust diplomatic and strategic ties with Indonesia, saying, “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 on its territory, further reinforcing the nation’s commitment to neutrality and regional stability.
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PRESS UPDATE