The Russian embassy in Indonesia has dismissed Australia’s concerns about a potential Russian military base in the country, arguing that such a decision is not Australia’s business. The Russian ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, published a letter in the Jakarta Post stating that “National interests cannot extend to the territory of neighboring sovereign states that pursue active and independent policies.”
Tolchenov also criticized Australia for its alliance with the US, stating that Australia has no right to interfere with Russia’s relationship with Indonesia. Tolchenov ended his letter with the phrase “You have no cards,” a reference to former US President Donald Trump’s phone call with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed Tolchenov’s letter as “authoritarian propaganda” and stated that he is opposed to Russia’s values under its current leader. The Indonesian government has also stated that it is not allowing any foreign military bases to be established on its territory.
The issue has been a point of contention in Australia’s federal election campaign, with the opposition accusing the government of avoiding questions about the potential Russian base in Indonesia. The government has maintained that there is no risk of a Russian military base being established in the country.
The debate comes amid increasing tensions between Russia and Western countries over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Indonesia has sought to maintain its neutrality in the conflict, but its actions have been seen by some as undermining its commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy. Indonesia has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent months, including conducting naval exercises with Russia and joining the Brics developing nations group.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/21/propaganda-albanese-mocks-russias-you-have-no-cards-warning-to-australia
