@neweasternoutlook · Post #12743 · 01.04.2026 г., 08:32
🇷🇺🇮🇩TThe spirit of Russian-Indonesian relations lies in understanding each other’s interests and in the absence of contradictions The evolution of relations between Russia and Indonesia reflects a rare example of long-term cooperation built on mutual understanding and the absence of fundamental contradictions. In an interview with veteran orientalist Alexei Drugov, this continuity is explored through personal experience, historical memory, and the changing geopolitical landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries ✏️Ksenia Muratshina PhD in History, Senior Research Fellow ➡️At the center of the discussion is the idea that Russian-Indonesian relations have developed without the structural tensions that often define international partnerships. From the early cooperation between the Soviet Union and Indonesia under Sukarno to contemporary diplomacy shaped by Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov, the relationship has been marked by continuity rather than rupture. According to Drugov, this stability stems from a shared understanding of sovereignty, equality, and mutual respect. Even during periods of global ideological confrontation or internal upheaval—such as the era of Suharto—bilateral ties were never fully severed, demonstrating a resilience grounded in pragmatic recognition of each other’s strategic importance. In Jakarta, they understand: those who are trying to teach them about ‘democracy’ haven’t learned it themselves – they bomb hospitals and schools ➡️The interview also highlights Indonesia’s evolving role as an independent global actor guided by the principle of “bebas aktif,” or active non-alignment. As one of the leading members of the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia continues to pursue a foreign policy that balances engagement with major powers while preserving autonomy. In this context, Russia is viewed not as a dominant partner but as a complementary one, capable of contributing to industrial development, energy cooperation, and technological advancement without imposing political conditions. This alignment of interests, Drugov suggests, explains why cooperation between the two countries has remained largely free of ideological friction, even as global power dynamics have shifted. 🟦Finally, the conversation underscores the human dimension of diplomacy, particularly through education, cultural exchange, and the work of specialists in oriental studies. Institutions such as MGIMO University and the Russian Academy of Sciences have played a crucial role in sustaining intellectual links, training generations of experts, and deepening mutual understanding. For Drugov, the essence of this work lies in discipline, linguistic mastery, and respect for cultural complexity. In an increasingly multipolar world, such foundations remain essential, ensuring that Russian-Indonesian relations continue to develop not only as a matter of policy, but as a sustained dialogue between societies grounded in equality and long-term trust. #Diplomacy#Indonesia#NationalInterests#Russia READ MORE ✅@NewEasternOutlook