"Hence, the proposed use of Biak is entirely unrelated to any foreign country's intent to utilize it for defense or security purposes," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat stated here on Thursday.
The spokesperson noted that Indonesia's former space agency LAPAN (National Institute of Aeronautics and Space) identified Biak Island in Papua as an ideal location for spacecraft and satellite launches decades ago.
The conclusion supported the Indonesian government's plan to designate Biak as the site of a domestic spaceport that will be developed in the future.
"But it was 20-30 years ago. The feasibility study (of Biak as a rocket launching site) must be continued," he remarked.
Soemirat also described media reports of a foreign country seeking to use Biak as a military base as "a bit of exaggeration."
Foreign media earlier this month reported that the Russian Federation proposed using Biak Island as its overseas air force base, pointing to the island's Manuhua Air Base.
According to the media report, the Russian Security Council purportedly conveyed the request during a meeting with Indonesia's Defense Ministry in February 2025.
In response, Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno emphasized that Indonesia's military cooperation with foreign countries will not permit the development of any foreign military base in Indonesia.
The Defense Ministry's Information Bureau Chief, Brigadier General Frega Wenas, also refuted any report that the ministry received such a request. Any use of Indonesia's military base by a foreign force will be counterproductive to the nation's interest, he stressed.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti O, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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