Indonesia and Russia have a rich and diverse history of relations dating back to the Cold War era. The Soviet Union established diplomatic ties with Indonesia in 1950, and the two nations have since maintained a strong bond, with Russia being one of the few countries that never imposed economic sanctions on Indonesia. Over the years, the two countries have cooperated in various fields, including trade, defense, and energy, with Russia becoming a significant partner for Indonesia in the defense sector. This historic relationship has been built on mutual respect and cooperation, paving the way for continued collaboration and growth between the two nations.
The Saint Petersburg Mosque, built in 1913 and completed in 1921, has an interesting connection to Indonesia's first president, Sukarno. After World War II, the mosque was closed by Soviet authorities and turned into a medical equipment storage facility. Ten days after Sukarno's visit to the city in 1956, the mosque was returned to the Muslim community of Saint Petersburg at his request. Today, the mosque is active and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers, with its architecture inspired by the Gur-e-Amir, the tomb of Tamerlane in Samarkand. With a 49-meter-high minaret and a capacity of 5,000 worshippers, the mosque is situated in downtown Saint Petersburg, opposite the Peter and Paul Fortress. The mosque's history and cultural significance make it an important landmark in Saint Petersburg, reflecting the city's diverse heritage and architectural styles.
Additionally, President Sukarno had significant relations with the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Here's an overview:
- Early Relations: Sukarno established diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union in 1950, and the two countries developed a strong bond, with the Soviet Union providing economic and military aid to Indonesia.
- Bandung Conference: In 1955, Sukarno hosted the Bandung Conference, a gathering of Asian and African nations that promoted solidarity and non-alignment. The Soviet Union saw this as an opportunity to expand its influence in the region.
- Soviet Support: The Soviet Union provided significant economic and military aid to Indonesia, including support for Sukarno's infrastructure projects and military modernization efforts.
- Visit to the Soviet Union: In 1956, Sukarno visited the Soviet Union, where he was warmly received by Soviet leaders. During his visit, he requested that the Saint Petersburg Mosque be returned to the Muslim community, which was subsequently done.
- Strategic Partnership: Sukarno and the Soviet Union shared a strategic interest in countering Western influence in the region, which led to increased cooperation and aid.
- Shift in Relations: However, Sukarno's relations with the Soviet Union cooled in the 1960s, particularly after the 30 September Movement in 1965, which led to Sukarno's eventual downfall.
Sukarno's relations with the Soviet Union were marked by periods of cooperation and mutual benefit, reflecting the complex geopolitics of the Cold War era. After President Sukarno's downfall, Indonesia-Russia relations underwent significant changes. During the Suharto era, Indonesia shifted its foreign policy towards the West, and relations with the Soviet Union cooled. However, Indonesia and the Soviet Union maintained diplomatic ties, and trade relations continued, albeit at a reduced level. In the post-Soviet era, Indonesia and Russia re-established strong ties, with Russia becoming a significant partner for Indonesia in the defense and energy sectors.
In recent years, Indonesia and Russia have strengthened their strategic partnership, with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and energy. Russia has become one of Indonesia's largest defense suppliers, and the two countries have conducted joint military exercises. Indonesia and Russia have also collaborated on energy projects, including coal and oil exploration. The partnership between the two countries continues to grow, driven by mutual interests and a shared desire for economic development and regional stability.
Furthermore, Indonesia and Russia have a growing education exchange partnership, with a notable number of students from Indonesia studying in Russia. According to recent data, there were only 2 Indonesian students in Russia in 1996, but this number has significantly increased to 644 students today. This growth reflects the strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Key aspects of Indonesia-Russia education exchange:
- Student Mobility: The number of Indonesian students in Russia has grown substantially over the years, indicating a rising interest in Russian education.
- Cultural Immersion: Programs like AFS Intercultural Programs offer opportunities for Indonesian students to experience Russian culture, language, and lifestyle, promoting mutual understanding.
- Language Learning: Russian language courses are available for international students, including Indonesians, to facilitate their academic and cultural integration.
- Academic Opportunities: Russian universities offer various programs that attract international students, including those from Indonesia, in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
While specific numbers of Russian students in Indonesia are not readily available, the growing partnership between the two countries suggests potential opportunities for student exchanges in both directions. However, Russia offers scholarships to Indonesian students, each year for bachelor, master, and postgraduate degrees. In 2025, the Russian government through the Embassy of Russia in Jakarta provided approximately 300 scholarships for Indonesian students to study in Russia beginning in fall, spread across various universities and cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok.
Currently, Indonesia and Russia have strengthened their partnership through BRICS, a grouping of emerging economies that also includes Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. Indonesia officially joined BRICS as a full member on January 6, 2025, becoming the first Southeast Asian state to join the bloc. This membership is expected to enhance economic cooperation between Indonesia and Russia, particularly in areas like trade and investment. Th key areas of cooperation are:
- Economic Cooperation: BRICS aims to promote economic cooperation among its member states, and Indonesia and Russia can benefit from this cooperation in areas like trade and investment.
- New Development Bank: The New Development Bank (NDB) provides financing for infrastructure and development projects in member countries, which can benefit Indonesia and Russia.
- Global Governance: BRICS provides a platform for its member states to discuss global governance issues and promote their interests, allowing Indonesia and Russia to work together to shape global policies.
By partnering through BRICS, Indonesia and Russia can increase their influence in global affairs, diversify their economies, and cooperate on key issues like energy and agriculture. The strategic partnership between Indonesia and Russia is poised to strengthen bilateral ties, driven by mutual interests in economic, defense, and technological cooperation. With Russia's expertise in military technology and Indonesia's strategic maritime position, both nations can leverage their complementary strengths to enhance regional stability and security. The partnership's potential expansion into areas like maritime security, shipbuilding, and environmental sustainability will likely foster a robust and enduring relationship, benefiting both nations and contributing to Indo-Pacific stability.
