The International Valdai Discussion Club is holding a seminar in Jakarta on Tuesday to explore the development of Russian-Indonesian relations. Titled “Indonesia — Russia: From Past to Future, History and Prospects,” the event brings together political leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs from Indonesia, Russia, India, and China.
According to the organizers, the conference builds on the strategic framework set during recent high-level talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesia's elected president, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, during the latter's visit to Moscow. Participants will assess the current state of relations and key challenges in international and regional security while drafting expert recommendations to advance the priorities outlined by the leaders. These findings are expected to inform future political and economic decisions.
The seminar’s program features an opening session and four themed discussions focusing on the history and future of geopolitical cooperation, naval collaboration, and digital transformation between Russia and Indonesia.
This event in Indonesia marks another instance of Valdai's presence in the country, following an Asian regional conference in Jakarta in 2015. The seminar is part of an ongoing series of bilateral dialogues and regional conferences hosted by the club worldwide.
Security Challenges
The opening session will feature speeches from key figures, including Russia's Federal Archival Agency head Andrey Artizov, Indonesia's National Archives chief Imam Gunarto, representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Toltchinov, and the chairman of the Valdai Club Development and Support Foundation, Andrey Bystritsky.
The first session will explore the historical context of Russia-Indonesia relations, followed by discussions on the current geopolitical situation. The seminar takes place amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which are influencing bilateral relations. Indonesia has previously made peace proposals to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and Russia has expressed appreciation for these efforts.
The conflict in the Middle East, particularly the recent escalation in Lebanon, is also a crucial focus for both Russia and Indonesia. Experts are likely to address potential solutions to the crisis during the discussions.
A separate session will examine Russia and Indonesia’s status as major maritime nations, focusing on naval cooperation. Specialists will analyze the global geopolitical rivalry between the US on one side and Russia and China on the other in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has previously pointed out NATO’s recent militarization of the region and its efforts to stoke conflict. The discussions will likely focus on aligning Russia and Indonesia’s positions and evaluating the potential for maritime collaboration between the two countries.
Dialogue Without Stereotypes
One of the key goals of the seminar, according to the organizers, is to promote direct dialogue between countries “without negative stereotypes and externally imposed narratives.” Indonesia, as ASEAN’s largest country and a key partner for Russia in the region, maintains an independent stance in international politics, despite pressure from the West. Notably, Indonesia did not sign the joint communiqué after the Western-initiated conference on Ukraine in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.
Experts from India and China, both important regional powers and BRICS members, will also participate in the seminar. Their involvement provides a broader context for Russian-Indonesian discussions, emphasizing regional cooperation. Indonesia has expressed interest in joining BRICS and is considered a strong candidate for membership. The seminar will also explore the prospects of this aspiration.
Another session will focus on the implementation of digital technologies and their impact on politics, economics, and security. Initiated by Indonesia, this discussion will include Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Nezar Patria, Head of the National Cyber and Encryption Agency Hinsa Siburian, and Professor Konstantin Pantseriev from St. Petersburg State University. Russian projects and experiences in this field have drawn interest from Indonesian partners, and the issue of achieving digital sovereignty and diversifying suppliers and platforms will be central to the discussions.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials