TRANSCRIPT
As a report that Russia had asked Indonesia to base long-range aircraft at an air force base off the Indonesian province of Papua.
Both sides of politics responded.
"We are seeking further information. We obviously do not want to see Russian influence in our region."
"It is deeply destabilizing, and we would want to hear from the Prime Minister about what efforts have been undertaken. Surely known about this before it's been made public."
Defence Minister Richard Marles has since clarified the situation with Indonesia, as he told the ABC.
"I did speak with Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin yesterday, who's my counterpart, the Indonesian Minister for Defence, and he made it unequivocally clear to me that there was no prospect of any Russian aircraft operating from Indonesia."
He did not say if there was any mention of an approach made by Moscow to the Indonesian government.
REPORTER: "Did he deny that any approach about the matter had been made by Moscow to the Indonesian government at any level?"
MARLES: " Well, we– Russia is obviously active in the region. We know that they are interested in lots of things. I'm not about to canvass the details of that in–
REPORTER: "So, did you ask him? Did Russia approach Indonesia about this?"
MARLES: "I'm not about to canvass the details of that in the media."
The original report came from US military publication Janes - claiming Moscow was seeking permission for its aircraft to be stationed at the base around 1,300km from the Australian mainland.
It also said Russia had previously made ad hoc requests to land planes at the base.
Mr Albanese was also not answering questions about approaches made by Russia.
"You're assuming the Janes report is correct. And there is no basis for you assuming that."
Moscow releasing a statement, saying "There are a lot of different pieces of fake news around, publications in the media, including those that relate to sensitive areas."
David Andrews from the ANU's National Security College says Janes is a reputable outlet for military reporting.
He also says a move like this from Russia may not be focused on Australia.
"It's about 1300 kilometers from Darwin, but it's about 1900 kilometers from Guam, the big US base there in the Pacific. So as much as it brings Russia closer, or it would, were it to happen, bring Russia closer to Australia, it would also put them in a position to observe or or influence the broader U-S presence in the region."
But he doubts something like this would go through.
"I certainly wouldn't expect Indonesia to accept this Russian offer, if indeed it was made, but they do have a historical relationship. So Indonesia operates a number of Russian aircraft. Indonesia has maintained a sort of friends to all policies, or non aligned policy, over the time that they've been independent since the 1940s."
But today, criticism has focused on the Opposition Leaders' response.
Speaking with the ABC yesterday, Peter Dutton said:
DUTTON: "There's commentary that I have seen reported from the Indonesian spokesperson. And that's obviously come from the administration. There are reports of negotiations or discussions that have taken place between Russia and Indonesia."
REPORTER: "My question is where have you seen the Indonesian president confirm this? Aren't you verballing the Indonesian President?
DUTTON: There's comment that's come out of the administration, out of the Prabowo administration."
But there was no public comment from the President.
Today, clarifying those comments.
"The reference I made was obviously to what is a very credible military website. And that talked about government sources."
But leaving himself open to criticism, including from Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
"Mr Dutton saw a headline, and he didn't wait for the facts. He didn't wait for the facts. That's not the sort of man you want to be the Prime Minister of the country. He's simply, as I said this morning, too aggro ((aggressive)) and too reckless."
And the Prime Minister:
"What we saw from Peter Dutton yesterday was an extraordinary overreach. He verballed* the president of Indonesia."
David Andrews warning against over reaction during the campaign.
"A lot of these issues are becoming rapidly politicized, when actually, I think sometimes it's best to just wait 24 hours see what unfolds, let diplomacy take its work and get to the get to the heart of the issue. I think it's unfortunate. I also accept that mistakes can happen in the in the heat of an evolving issue like this, but particularly given the nature out relationship with Indonesia, which is close but can be challenging at times, that I think it's important that we ensure that they have the benefit of the doubt and that we work quietly and cooperatively with them to get the truth of the matter."
