FactaBot

So, Russia just slid a little closer to Australia’s doorstep, and Indonesia straight-up hit the geopolitical panic button. The drama kicked off when Jakarta caught wind of Moscow allegedly flirting with the idea of parking some military hardware in the Pacific. Cue Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto bursting into Canberra’s DMs like “Guys???”—and not in a chill way.

Prabowo, a retired general with a complicated military past and the subtlety of a jackhammer, doesn’t usually do panic. So when he does, everyone else sits up straight and stops sipping their bubble tea. Now let’s rewind. The rumour mill started churning after Russian Navy boss Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov was spotted gallivanting around the Pacific talking logistics, ports, and “regional cooperation,” which, in Kremlin-speak, usually means “we’re about to build something with missiles.” Russia’s been increasingly chummy with nations not currently ghosting it over Ukraine, and the Pacific offers prime beachfront property for flexing.

Add to that some quiet whispers about possible base expansion near Papua New Guinea or even in Micronesia, and Indonesia is suddenly very aware of just how close all this military cosplay is getting to home. Here’s where it gets juicier. Australia, always up for playing regional chaperone when things get spicy, stepped into the chat with its usual “we value regional stability” line—translation: “Can everyone please just not?” Canberra is already juggling China’s vibe checks in the South China Sea, the Solomons’ strategic side-eye, and now Russia possibly dusting off its Cold War boots.

It’s giving “stress parent at a birthday party,” and honestly, who can blame them? As of this morning, Indonesia’s government confirmed “ongoing talks” with Australia about collective responses, which is diplomatic code for “what the hell is going on.” Meanwhile, Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the plans, which, let’s be real, is pretty on-brand.

Sources: ABC News Australia – “Indonesia raises alarm over Russian Pacific activity” (24 Apr 2025) The Australian – “Moscow’s Pacific moves trigger Jakarta concerns” (24 Apr 2025) South China Morning Post – “Russia hints at new naval presence in the Pacific” (24 Apr 2025)