Indonesia and Russia are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations with high-level discussions on economic cooperation and a series of cultural events across Russian cities. 

On Monday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Jakarta to discuss strengthening trade, investment, and energy security, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Key topics included Indonesia’s upcoming chairmanship of the 13th Indonesia-Russia Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, & Technical Cooperation, set for April in Jakarta. Another topic discussed was its growing ties with the Eurasian Economic Union. The EAEU is an economic union of five post-Soviet states—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia—located in Eurasia. 

Minister Sugiono also acknowledged Russia’s support for Indonesia’s full membership in the intergovernmental organization BRICS earlier this year. 

Cultural celebrations

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow has been leading cultural diplomacy efforts to commemorate the milestone. 

In Novosibirsk, a major city in southwestern Siberia, the Kalung Khatulistiwa, or Necklace of the Equator, exhibition opened at the Novosibirsk State Art Museum on January 30. The exhibition showcases Indonesian art curated by Russian artist Vladimir Anisimov. Over 200 visitors, including local officials and young audiences, attended the exhibition. 

In his speech at the opening of the exhibition, Indonesian Ambassador Jose Tavares underscored the importance of strengthening Indonesia-Russia cooperation, particularly in light of Indonesia’s recent accession to BRICS. 

Similar celebrations are taking place in Moscow and St. Petersburg as both nations continue to deepen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.

Friends then and now

Indonesia and Russia established diplomatic relations on February 3, 1950, during the early years of Indonesia’s independence. The Soviet Union was among the first major powers to recognize Indonesia’s sovereignty, fostering early ties. 

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Indonesia and Russia revitalized their relations. Since the early 2000s, cooperation has expanded in trade, defense, energy, and technology.  

One of the latest developments took place last November when Russian tech giant Yandex announced plans to invest in Indonesia’s artificial intelligence sector, aiming to expand its search engine platform within the country.  

As Indonesia and Russia commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, their partnership has expanded across the trade, energy, and tourism sectors. This milestone underscores a deepening collaboration that has evolved significantly over the decades.