A report of Russia's request for a military base in Indonesia's Papua region has raised alarm in Australia, especially amid its election tensions. However, experts doubt Jakarta would comply with such a request due to its long-standing non-alignment policy and constitutional commitment to independence. Russia has sought such basing rights for decades without success, and Indonesia remains steadfast in avoiding foreign military bases on its territory. Recent discussions between Russia and Indonesia highlight diplomatic ties but do not suggest shifts in Indonesia's foreign policy stance.
The prospect is tantalizing. Indonesia is a vast archipelago that stretches across South-east Asia. The Papua region is an entry point into the Pacific, and the Biak airbase is just 1,300km from Darwin in northern Australia.
No foreign power has a military base in Indonesia, or permanent access to any of its domestic bases. Indonesia has enshrined in its constitution a commitment to a free and independent foreign policy, which is premised on non-alignment.
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