Indonesia and Russia began their first-ever joint naval exercises Monday in the Java Sea.


These bilateral drills work to support an Indonesian foreign policy agenda that prioritizes nonalignment in the face of conflict between world powers.


The drills have been divided into two phases and will take place over the course of five days near Indonesia's Surabaya city, east of the capital, Jakarta.


In the beginning “harbor phase,” Indonesia and Russia have focused on increasing naval interoperability through ship tours and simulation games, according to a press release from the Indonesian navy. 


Russia sent three corvette-class warships, a medium tanker ship, a military helicopter unit and a tugboat to the archipelago. 


Indonesia participated in military drills in 2021 with Russia as a member of the ASEAN bloc, but this marks the first time that the two countries have engaged independently.


The bilateral drills come as Indonesia’s newly elected President Prabowo Subianto doubles down on Indonesia’s commitment to nonalignment in foreign affairs, seeking to pursue relationships with all countries, regardless of ideological differences.


Prabowo, the country’s former defense minister, visited Russia in July, where he expressed wishes to deepen the bilateral relationship and increase defense collaboration, extending an invitation to Indonesia’s defense exposition this month.


"We consider Russia as a great friend, and I would like to continue to maintain and enhance this relationship," Prabowo told Russian President Vladimir Putin.


Russian ambassador to Indonesia, Sergey Tolchenov, said Monday that the drills were not aimed at any country and could "ensure security and stability in the region," Reuters reported.


Outside of Russia, Indonesia has looked to further defense collaboration with other countries, including the United States and China. In August, just before participating in the U.S.-led, multinational Super Garuda Shield exercises, Indonesia and China agreed to resume joint military exercises after a nine-year suspension. 

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