Indonesia-Russia Joint Naval Drills
Indonesia’s inaugural bilateral joint naval drills with Russia, held from November 4-8, 2024, represent a shift in Indonesia’s defense posture. Conducted in the Java Sea near Surabaya, the five-day exercise featured Russian corvette-class warships, a medium tanker, a helicopter unit, and a tugboat. The exercise was divided into a “harbor phase,” focusing on ship tours and simulation exercises to enhance naval interoperability, followed by an active sea phase involving live drills. This engagement signals a departure from previous exercises involving ASEAN-wide participation and reflects Jakarta’s strategic intent to broaden its defense collaborations.
Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy while deepening its multilateral defense ties. Prabowo’s visit to Moscow in July this year underscored this approach, during which he referred to Russia as a “great friend” and emphasized the need for stronger bilateral defense ties. Engaging directly with Russia signals Indonesia’s intent to diversify its defense relationships, enhancing its military capabilities while preserving strategic autonomy amidst the backdrop of global power struggle. This move, described by Russian Ambassador Sergey Tolchenov as aimed at regional security and stability, highlights Indonesia’s ambition to navigate competing influences with agility and strategic flexibility.
The significance of these drills extends beyond mere symbolic gestures. These exercises involved incorporating Russian military assets and focusing on naval interoperability. Indonesia demonstrates its intent to modernize its armed forces and assert its relevance on the regional and global stage. Analysts note that this development aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to position itself as a key player in regional security discussions.
