Indonesia, Russia begin first-ever naval drills amid foreign policy shift

The Moscow Times reported the information.

The Southeast Asian nation, which has the largest economy in the region, follows a neutral foreign policy, avoiding alignment in the Ukraine war or the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. Yet, the newly sworn-in President Prabowo Subianto has expressed an intention to take a more assertive role internationally. In July, he visited Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin.

The naval drills, which are set to last five days, will be conducted in two phases: first at a naval base in Surabaya and then in the Java Sea. According to the Indonesian navy, Russia has dispatched three corvettes, a tanker, a tugboat, and a military helicopter for the exercises.

Ahead of the drills, Russian warships received a formal welcome in Surabaya on Sunday, greeted by an Indonesian marching band, as shown on local television.

Experts believe these exercises reflect Prabowo's emerging foreign policy shift, signaling efforts to bolster Indonesia's partnerships with global powers. During his July visit to the Kremlin, the 73-year-old former general emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with Russia. "We consider Russia as a great friend and I would like to continue to maintain and enhance this relationship," he told Putin.

While Indonesia participated in joint ASEAN-Russia naval exercises in 2021, this week's drills mark Jakarta's first exclusive collaboration with Moscow. Trade between Indonesia and Russia is valued in the billions, although significant arms purchases have been on hold since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Nonetheless, Prabowo, who became defense minister in 2019, has continued to support a $1.1 billion deal for Russian fighter jets signed in 2018, despite concerns about potential U.S. sanctions.