The Ministry Of Defense Regarding The Indonesian Military Base Used By Russia: Counterproductive To National Interests

Illustration of Indonesian Air Force soldiers jumping out of planes during military exercises. (Between-Septianda P)

Rumors circulated that the offer from Russia to use military bases in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, Head of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan) Brigadier General Frega Wenas confirmed that the information was not true.

He emphasized that the use of military bases in the territory of Indonesia would be counterproductive to national interests. He said that currently the vision of the Indonesian government is to build and prosper the people.

"When one policy is made, it should not be counterproductive and even have an impact on Indonesia's national interests and strategic interests," Frega said when met in Jakarta, Wednesday, April 16, as quoted by Antara.

Therefore, if later the Ministry of Defense cooperates as part of defense diplomacy, he emphasizes that his party does not move alone, but together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu), follows the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

From the history of Indonesia decades ago, Frega did not deny that there were indeed those who had offered or proposed to use existing military bases in Indonesia, either for maintenance and maintenance purposes or only for logistics.

However, despite adopting active free foreign politics, he emphasized that the priority of the Indonesian government is currently building and modernizing defense, which requires national stability.

If there is an inappropriate approach taken by the Indonesian government to one of the state groups, he said, it will certainly have an impact on stability.

Therefore, Frega said that the Indonesian government does not want to be trapped in a conflict that actually hinders growth and modernization.

"Indonesia maintains how national interests can be protected without injuring friendship or strategic interests with existing countries," said Frega.

News of a Russian request emerged based on international media coverage, which said that the Russian Federation proposed to the Indonesian government to make Manuhua Air Base in Biak, Papua, the base location for Russian military aircraft.

The request, stated by the news, was delivered after a meeting between the Indonesian Minister of Defense and the Secretary of the Russian Security Council in February 2025, with the intention of placing Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) long-distance aircraft at Manuhua Air Base, which shares the runway with Frans Kaisiepo Airport.