The newest Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov
SURABAYA, 4 November 2024 – The navies of Indonesia and Russia have conducted joint naval exercises in the Java Sea for the first time, a landmark step in strengthening defence ties between the two countries. The exercises, which will run from 4 to 8 November, come amid a change in political direction in Indonesia, following the inauguration of new President Prabowo Subianto, who has called for closer cooperation with Russia, Russian media report
Four Russian warships arrived at the exercises near the Indonesian city of Surabaya and were met by representatives of the Indon Navy
ezia. Indonesian Navy spokesperson I Made Vera Hadi Arsanta Wardhana stressed that the exercise demonstrates a stable partnership between the two countries, but the details of the exercise remain under wraps.
Sergey Tolchenov, Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, said in a recent interview that the exercise is “the first large-scale naval manoeuvres” between Russia and Indonesia that will allow both sides to share knowledge and experience.
Experts say that the exercise signals Indonesia’s desire to develop relations with various countries, noting that the new president is ready to cooperate with all parties. “This may be an indication that Indonesia is seeking to actively cooperate with various countries, including Russia,” says Johannes Suleiman, professor of international relations.
Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly stressed the importance of friendly relations with Russia, calling it his “great friend”. At the same time, Indonesia continues to cooperate in the defence sphere with other countries, in particular with the United States, with which it holds annual Super Garuda Shield exercises.
In general, these naval manoeuvres are a vivid example of Indonesia’s new foreign policy, which seeks to maintain a balance in international relations while maintaining its traditional non-aligned course.
