Jakarta (ANTARA) – Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov has clarified that Russia and Indonesia remain in preliminary discussions regarding the development of a spaceport in Biak, Papua, dismissing rumors that the facility would serve as a Russian military base.
He noted that the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has invited Russia’s state space corporation, Roscosmos, to discuss potential cooperation.
“This is just the first (meeting), not even the first stage of cooperation, just the first discussion,” Tolchenov said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He confirmed that no formal cooperation agreement has been signed between the two parties, acknowledging that BRIN is likely holding similar discussions with other nations.
Nevertheless, the ambassador reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to supporting the development of Indonesia’s maiden spaceport, citing Russia’s proven expertise and technology in the aerospace sector.
“It’s up to BRIN to choose (their collaboration partner). If Roscosmos and Russia are chosen, we will be very glad. I am pretty sure that we will be able to do this job for Indonesia,” he stated.
Addressing rumors that the Biak spaceport could be utilized as a Russian airbase, Tolchenov firmly denied the claims. He emphasized that the aerospace facility would belong entirely to Indonesia, with no dual-purpose functions serving foreign interests.
He expressed confidence that Indonesia, as a sovereign nation, would never allow its territory to be used as a military base by any foreign country.
“It’s up to Indonesia to choose what to do there. If Indonesia uses this spaceport to send military satellites or anything else, it’s (that decision belongs) to Indonesia,” Tolchenov asserted.
The Indonesian government is currently seeking to accelerate the development of the Biak spaceport. As part of this effort, it issued Government Regulation (PP) No. 22 of 2026 on Spaceport Operations in May.
In addition to Russia, Indonesia is exploring potential aerospace cooperation with India, a development revealed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in early July.
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Reporter: Uyu Septiyati Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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