Introduction

JAKARTA: Indonesia has embarked on a significant foreign policy shift under its new President, Prabowo Subianto, as evidenced by the nation's first-ever joint military drills with Russia, which commenced this week. Analysts suggest that these drills reflect Jakarta's ambition to play a larger role on the global stage, breaking away from its long-standing policy of neutrality.

A Shift from Neutrality

Traditionally, Indonesia has maintained a position of neutrality, often refraining from choosing sides in international conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the escalating US-China rivalry. However, the new administration has shown a clear intent to strengthen ties with Moscow, despite the mounting pressure from Western nations.

Strategic Relationships

"This is a significant part of a broader initiative to enhance relationships regardless of the geopolitical affiliations, as long as there are benefits for Indonesia," explained Pieter Pandie, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. This stance is indicative of Indonesia's desire to establish a more diversified foreign policy landscape.

Historical Context

While Indonesia participated in joint exercises with Russia in 2021 as part of the ASEAN bloc, this current initiative marks the first time it has conducted military drills alone with Moscow. The nation currently boasts considerable trade relations with Russia, although its arms imports have faced challenges due to Western sanctions imposed following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its increased military activity in Ukraine since 2022.

Continuing Commitments

Notably, Prabowo has kept alive a substantial US$1.1 billion deal initiated in 2018 for Russian fighter jets despite warnings of potential U.S. sanctions. Furthermore, Indonesia has remained resilient against Western calls for the exclusion of Russia from the G20 summit hosted in 2022.

Meetings with Leadership

During a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July, Prabowo expressed intentions to deepen Indonesia's relationship with Russia, labeling the nation as a "great friend." He emphasized his commitment to strengthening partnerships globally, aligning with his vision of creating a "web of strong friendships" across various nations.

Details of the Drills

In light of this strategic pivot, the joint military drills, which will run for five days in eastern Java, will feature the deployment of three Russian corvette-class warships, a medium tanker, a military helicopter, and a tugboat. Analysts believe that the exercises will serve as a platform for capability enhancement and the exchange of military knowledge, particularly regarding the Russian equipment currently used by Indonesia.

Geopolitical Implications

As Indonesia faces its own maritime security challenges, including piracy and smuggling, it appears poised to utilize the collaboration with Russia to bolster its naval capacity. The drills, however, are likely to raise concerns in Washington, where officials are striving to diplomatically isolate Russia amidst its international actions. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta has refrained from commenting on the drills, but the implications of this newfound military partnership are significant for the broader geopolitical landscape.

Conclusion

For Prabowo's administration, these naval exercises represent a bold statement of intent regarding Indonesia's foreign policy trajectory—one that seeks to diversify military cooperation in a rapidly changing world. The move signals that Indonesia is prepared to engage with a broader range of military partners while continuing to affirm its commitment to national interests. As the geopolitical situation evolves, all eyes will be on Indonesia to see how this partnership with Russia unfolds in the long term. Will Jakarta manage to strike the delicate balance between maintaining its commitments with Western allies and embracing new alliances? Only time will tell.