Joint exercises between Russia and Indonesia

The Southeast Asian archipelago 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 great rival powers. But Prabowo Subianto called for stronger relations with Moscow despite Western pressure.

“This is part of a broader vision to strengthen ties with all parties, regardless of their membership in a geopolitical bloc, as long as Indonesia benefits,” notes Pieter Pandie, researcher at the Center for Studies. strategic and international (CSIS).

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.

Jakarta has billions of dollars of trade ties with Russia, but its arms imports have stagnated in recent years, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri), following Western sanctions imposed to Russia after the invasion of Crimea in 2014 and Ukraine in 2022.

However, Prabowo Subianto kept a potential $1.1 billion deal for Russian fighter jets, concluded in 2018, on the table, despite the threat of US sanctions.

Jakarta also refused to back down when the West pressured Indonesia to ban Russia from the G20 summit it hosted in 2022.

Prabowo Subianto traveled to Moscow in July to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, subsequently announcing joint naval exercises that signal that Moscow should be able to strengthen its influence over Indonesia.

The five-day exercises will begin on Monday in eastern Java, where Russia will send three corvettes, a tanker, a military helicopter and a tugboat.

These exercises “reaffirm that we will not exclude one or two countries on the geopolitical scene,” according to Anton Aliabbas, professor at the Paramadina Higher School of Diplomacy.

During his visit to the Kremlin, former General Prabowo, aged 73, told Vladimir Putin that he considered “Russia a great friend” with whom he wanted to “continue to maintain and strengthen” relations.

While Minister of Defense, he visited a dozen countries before his inauguration, including Australia and China, saying he wanted to build a “network of solid friendships”. He concluded a security agreement with Canberra and kicked off the process of Indonesia joining the BRICS group of emerging economies.

The new leader has already been tested when a Chinese coast guard ship was pushed back three times from waters claimed by Indonesia last month in the South China Sea. For Indonesia, hosting one of the most advanced navies in the world is a good opportunity.

This will make it possible to “strengthen the capabilities” of the Indonesian navy and to discuss the maintenance of Russian equipment that it already possesses, according to Curie Maharani Savitri, an analysis from Binus University. Indonesia has Russian-made amphibious tanks, helicopters, missiles and fighter jets.

Jakarta and Moscow nevertheless have different maritime objectives, with Indonesia facing threats of smuggling and piracy in its waters, while Russia is looking for allies.

Mr. Pieter expects the exercises will not be as advanced as the “Super Garuda Shield” exercises that Indonesia holds every year with the United States and other allies. “I think this is an introductory phase to military relations between the two countries, particularly on the naval level,” he believes.

These exercises, however, will not fail to displease Washington, which is trying to isolate Russia. The US Embassy in Jakarta declined to comment on the matter. These exercises will also allow Prabowo Subianto to send a message about his new policy from the first days of his presidency, Mr. Pieter said.

“Historically, the United States has been the partner of choice for military exercises. But (…) Indonesia has tried to diversify its partners.” “And I think this trend is becoming more and more pronounced.”