Indonesia and Russia launch first joint naval exercises
Indonesia and Russia began their first joint naval exercises on Monday. Lasting five days, they take place in two phases in the east of the island of Java, where Russia must send three corvettes, a tanker, a military helicopter and a tugboat.
According to local television channels, the Russian ships were welcomed with a fanfare on Sunday at a port in the town of Subraya, the day before the start of the exercises.
Jakarta has long favored a neutral foreign policy, refusing to take a clear side in the war between Russia and Ukraine or to choose between China and the United States, two rival great powers. But new President Prabowo Subianto has called for stronger ties with Moscow despite Western pressure.
Asean, of which Indonesia is a member, has already participated in joint military exercises with Russia in 2021, but Jakarta has never before organized bilateral maneuvers with Moscow.
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