The navies of Indonesia and Russia are conducting their first joint military exercises in the Java Sea, writes Reuters, referring to a message from the Indonesian Navy, quoted by BTA.
The joint exercises follow Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's promise of "closer“ relations with Russia in the field of defense.
The maneuvers will take place in the Java Sea near the Indonesian city of Surabaya, east of the capital Jakarta, until Friday after four Russian warships arrived on Sunday, the Indonesian navy said.
"Russian warships have come from afar to Indonesia, and for the first time we are holding joint exercises that aim to improve diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia,” said Indonesian Navy Commander Denih Hendrata.
The statement said a representative of the Russian delegation said the exercise was designed to exchange knowledge between the two navies.
Russia's ambassador to Indonesia, Sergey Tolchenov, stressed that the maneuvers are not directed against any country and can "guarantee security and stability in the region”.
In July, when he visited Moscow, Prabowo Subianto called Russia his "big friend”.
Indonesia also conducts military exercises with other countries. The annual Super Garuda Shield exercises with the United States have been held since 2006, with over 4,500 military personnel participating in 2024.