Russian warships here on peace mission

An Indonesian marine patrols Tanjung Priok Port where five ships of the Russian Pacific fleet, including Missile Cruiser Varyag (in background), are anchored in the first Russian warship visit since 1968.

The four other warships (unseen) are antisubmarine warfare ships Panteleev, Admiral Tributs and auxiliary ships Pechenga and Kalar.

Led by Vice Adm. Sergei Avramenko, the warships will be anchored at the port until Nov. 2. They will continue their trip to neighboring Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam before returning to their home base. The warships went to India prior to visiting Indonesia.

"This is our first visit to Indonesia in 37 years. We have arranged some meetings with high-ranking Indonesian officials and expect there will be mutual meetings to develop military relations between both countries," Avramenko said, referring to planned meetings with Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono, Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Slamet Soebijanto.

"I guess there will be no problems in enhancing cooperation (between the Russian and Indonesian militaries). We, the Russians, are ready to do so as we come for peace," he added.

Indonesia is developing closer defense ties with Russia after facing problems in procuring military equipment from the United States, which imposed an embargo as a response to reports on alleged gross human rights abuses in East Timor during, before and after the 1998 vote for independence.

Under the administration of then president Megawati Soekarnoputri, the Indonesian Air Force and the Army went on a "shopping spree" with the purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi jet fighters for the former and two Mi-35 assault helicopters for the latter.

During the three-day visit, the crews of the warships will also visit Satria Mandala War Museum. The Russian Naval Orchestra will perform in Tanjung Priok. Members of the public are welcome to visit the fleet on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (JP/Tiarma Siboro)