Three Russian Warships Dock in Jakarta: What's Happening?

JAKARTA - Three warships belonging to the Russian Federation Navy (RFN) docked at the former President’s IKT Pier in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Sunday (29/3/2026). The three Russian warships that docked are the corvette RFS Gromky, the submarine RFS Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the ocean tug Andrey Stefanov. The Head of the Indonesian Navy’s Information Service (Kadispenal), First Admiral TNI Tunggul, stated that this is a visit for naval diplomacy, as well as for synchronisation and technical coordination in preparation for the joint exercise Orruda. “This is a continuation of the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations in the maritime defence sector,” said Tunggul in his statement on Monday (30/3/2026). “A Passing Exercise (PASSEX) is planned between Indonesian Navy warships and the Russian task force when the ships depart from Jakarta waters on 2 April,” he added. The presence of Russia’s latest submarine in Jakarta is also being utilised to introduce technological capabilities, while strengthening professional relations between the submarine fleets of both countries. During the docking, both parties will hold technical exchanges or Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE). “Beyond logistics and diplomacy agendas, the main mission of this visit is to strengthen operational cooperation and build trust between the two navies,” he said. This port visit activity is a follow-up to the agreement from the bilateral Navy to Navy Talks (NTNT).