The navies of Indonesia and Russia are following up on an agreement to boost bilateral ties. They're holding their first joint drills, but officials in Jakarta insist that doesn't mean they're taking sides with Moscow.

The Indonesian defense ministry says the activities run through Friday and include seven warships. The two navies held a ceremony on Monday at a base in Surabaya, East Java.

Denih Hendrata, Commander, Indonesian Fleet Command, said his country also wants to "show that we are not siding with anyone."

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Russia in July before taking office. He and Vladimir Putin agreed to strengthen relations.

Jakarta has long held a foreign policy of non-alignment.