JakartaHerald.com - The military cooperation between Indonesia and Russia has been established very closely.
Despite the threat of CAATSA sanctions, Indonesia and Russia are seeking ways to strengthen their military cooperation. Russia recently sent its warship to Indonesia for joint military exercises with ASEAN.
This shipment of Russian destroyers to Indonesia signifies the Kremlin's desire to increase its influence in the region.
This move by Russia is seen as necessary due to its diminishing influence in ASEAN. Countries that were once loyal users of Russian military equipment, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, are now turning away. I
t is particularly concerning that countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos are beginning to purchase military equipment from China, even though China was once a disciple of Russia.
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has pointed out that Russia is quietly increasing its military relations and diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia, despite putting more effort into expanding its influence in Africa or Eastern Europe.
Russia remains keen on enhancing its influence in Southeast Asia, as these countries have a close history with Russia and also seek to purchase affordable weapons from Russia.
However, Indonesia has begun to shift its military equipment purchases towards Western countries. In the early days of independence, Indonesia purchased a significant amount of military equipment from Russia or the Soviet Union.
The peak of these purchases was between 1961-1965 when 90% of Indonesia's military equipment was supplied by the Soviet Union. Not only did the Soviet Union supply military equipment, but they also sent troops to assist Indonesia in fighting against the Netherlands in West Irian.
Retired Soviet submarine captain Rudolf Viktorovich Ryzhikov recalled leading a mission to deliver four Whiskey-class submarines from Vladivostok to Surabaya, Indonesia in December 1961.
This mission was successfully completed, and it was followed by the arrival of additional Soviet submarines led by Rear Admiral Anatoly Antonovich Ruluk.
Upon arriving in Surabaya, the Soviet sailors were instructed by the high command of the Soviet military, known as STAVKA, to directly assist Indonesia in its military struggle against the Netherlands in West Irian.
The Soviet fleet, consisting of six Whiskey-class submarines and a submarine tender, under the command of Rear Admiral Anatoly Antonovich Ruluk, remained in Surabaya to support Indonesia.
The Soviet sailors were integrated into the 50th Navy Submarine Squadron of the Indonesian Navy and were even dressed in Indonesian Naval uniforms.
This support was provided by the Soviet Union after STAVKA learned of the potential involvement of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet in assisting the Netherlands in West Irian.
Fortunately, the planned Operation Jayawijaya by the Indonesian military did not proceed, preventing any casualties between Russia, the US, and the Netherlands in West Irian.
In conclusion, the military relationship between Indonesia and Russia has a rich history, stretching back to the early days of Indonesian independence.
While there have been shifts in military equipment purchases and alliances, the two countries have maintained close ties. The episode of Soviet assistance during the conflict in West Irian showcases the depth of this relationship and the mutual support between the two nations.
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