Russian Warships Suddenly Arrive in Jakarta, What's Going On?

Russian Pacific Fleet warships from the Russian Navy docked at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on Tuesday (31/3/2026). The arrival of these three warships, including the tugboat Andrey Stepanov, is part of efforts to strengthen maritime defence cooperation between Indonesia and Russia, culminating in a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). Observations at the site revealed the presence of the Steregushchy-class corvette RFS Gromky (335) and the Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine RFS Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (B-274) among the three Russian naval vessels. The Steregushchy-class corvette RFS Gromky (335) is a surface warship designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. This vessel has visited Indonesia four times previously, with routes including Makassar, Surabaya, and Jakarta. Meanwhile, the RFS Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (B-274) submarine is a conventional diesel-electric submarine renowned for its stealth and designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface missions. By deploying a corvette, submarine, and logistic support vessel to Tanjung Priok Port, Moscow is not merely conducting a friendly visit but also demonstrating that Russia retains the capability to project naval power reaching Southeast Asia. The presence of Russian warships in Jakarta’s waters serves as concrete evidence that Indonesia does not align with any particular bloc. Amid global geopolitical dynamics, Indonesia consistently upholds its policy of active non-alignment. Indonesia previously welcomed Russian Navy vessels from the Pacific Fleet in May 2025 for a visit and joint exercises, coinciding with the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia.