Indonesia and Russia kicked off their first joint naval drills, marking a significant shift in Indonesia’s foreign policy under newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto. The Southeast Asian nation, known for its neutral stance in global conflicts, has traditionally maintained close ties with major powers without taking sides. However, Prabowo’s visit to Moscow in July and the current joint exercises indicate a desire to deepen relations with Russia. The drills, taking place in Surabaya and the Java Sea, involve Russian corvette class warships, a tanker ship, a military helicopter, and a tug boat.
The decision to hold joint exercises with Russia is seen as a strategic move by Prabowo to enhance Jakarta’s alliances with major powers. During his visit to the Kremlin, Prabowo expressed his intentions to strengthen the relationship with Russia, stating that he considers Russia a great friend. While Indonesia is a member of the ASEAN bloc that conducted joint exercises with Russia in 2021, this is the first time Indonesia has held drills independently with Moscow. Despite billion-dollar trade ties, arms imports from Russia have faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s actions in Ukraine. However, Prabowo has continued to uphold a $1.1 billion fighter jet deal with Russia, signaling a commitment to maintaining the relationship.
Local broadcasters captured the arrival of Russian ships in Indonesia, showcasing a warm welcome by an Indonesian marching band ahead of the drills. The joint exercises are expected to last for five days in two phases, highlighting the cooperation between the two navies. The decision to hold drills with Russia reflects Prabowo’s bold approach to foreign policy, signaling a departure from Indonesia’s historical neutrality. The partnership with Russia not only strengthens military ties but also underscores Indonesia’s growing role on the world stage as it seeks to diversify its alliances and partnerships.
The joint naval drills with Russia come at a critical time for Indonesia as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics between global powers. While Indonesia has traditionally maintained neutrality, recent developments indicate a shift towards more assertive foreign policy under Prabowo’s leadership. The decision to deepen ties with Russia is seen as a strategic move to diversify Indonesia’s partnerships and enhance its role in regional and global affairs. As tensions between major powers escalate, Indonesia’s stance on issues like the Ukraine conflict and great power competition will be closely watched to determine its alignment in the changing geopolitical landscape.
The joint exercises with Russia also underscore the growing defense cooperation between the two countries, despite challenges posed by international sanctions and geopolitical tensions. The drills symbolize a mutual commitment to enhancing naval capabilities and interoperability, as both Indonesia and Russia seek to strengthen their defense partnerships. As Indonesia asserts itself as a key player in the region, the collaboration with Russia reflects a strategic alignment that aims to safeguard national security interests and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The joint drills serve as a testament to the evolving dynamics of Indonesia’s foreign policy, highlighting the country’s efforts to engage with a diverse array of partners while navigating complex geopolitical realities.
Overall, the joint naval drills between Indonesia and Russia represent a significant milestone in the evolving foreign policy strategy of the Southeast Asian nation. The decision to deepen ties with Russia reflects Indonesia’s desire to strengthen alliances with major powers while maintaining its neutral stance on global conflicts. As Indonesia expands its role on the world stage, the partnership with Russia provides an opportunity to enhance defense cooperation, promote regional stability, and diversify its diplomatic engagements. With the joint exercises signaling a new era of collaboration between the two countries, Indonesia’s relationship with Russia is poised to play a key role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
