Russian-Indonesian naval drills mark historic collaboration

The maneuvers began on November 4 and will last four days. These are the first bilateral naval exercises between the two countries since Indonesia gained independence 79 years ago.

The Indonesian navy command and Russian Rear Admiral Aleksey Sysuyev attended the opening ceremony. In a gesture of goodwill, the military personnel exchanged gifts: the Russians received hats bearing Indonesian navy symbols and commemorative coins, while representatives of the Pacific Fleet presented their counterparts with souvenirs related to the history of the Russian navy and chocolates.

"Military cooperation is a natural part of our interstate relations. I am particularly pleased to note the very deep and sincere ties between the Indonesian and Russian navies. The maritime exercises currently taking place in Surabaya and the Java Sea are a strong testament to the friendship between our nations," said the Russian ambassador to Indonesia, Sergey Tolchenov.

Russia dispatched two corvettes, a tanker, a helicopter, and a tugboat for the maneuvers. Meanwhile, according to unofficial sources, the Indonesian fleet includes four submarines, seven frigates, 24 corvettes, 24 missile boats, and about 160 patrol boats.

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, remains committed to its non-alignment strategy despite pressure from the West to gain Jakarta's support on issues like the conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine.

Nevertheless, the Indonesian president, Prabowo Dubianto, who was elected in February, expressed a desire to deepen his country's alliances and enhance its role on the international stage. In July, he visited Moscow and met with Vladimir Putin.