Indonesia's Foreign Policy Priorities and Partnership with Russia Explored at Inostranka

The Library for Foreign Literature (Inostranka) hosted a lecture titled "Tropical Dialogue: Russia and Indonesia in the Rhythm of BRICS," organised by the BRICS Expert Council-Russia together with the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre. The event was held during the Indonesian Culture Days at Inostranka as part of a public lecture series focused on the BRICS nations.

Presenting the lecture was Alexander Korolev, Deputy Director of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS) and Associate Professor at the School of International Relations under the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University. He explained that Indonesia's foreign policy has long been guided by a "three nos" principle: no military alliances, no foreign bases, and no participation in conflicts against other states. This approach originated with the 1955 Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, forming an important part of Indonesia's diplomatic identity.

According to the expert, Indonesia initially viewed BRICS with caution, perceiving it as another bloc. However, under new President Prabowo Subianto, its stance has shifted. Indonesia now sees BRICS as a chance to bolster its multi-vector diplomacy and international influence while deepening ties across the Global South. The decision to join BRICS was motivated not by opposition to the West, but by a focus on economic growth and broader global engagement. Key factors in its accession include its status as Southeast Asia's largest economy, the world's most populous Muslim nation, its active role in the G20, ASEAN, and RCEP, and its considerable demographic and intellectual potential.

Discussing current Russia-Indonesia relations, Korolev described a "honeymoon" phase: trade between the two nations has surpassed $3.3 billion, growing over 30% since 2022. Russia holds 28% of Indonesia's coal briquette market and leads fertiliser supplies with 24%. Grain and frozen fish exports are rising steadily, and halal beef certification is anticipated in the near future.

In conclusion, the speaker noted that while Indonesia is not Russia's largest trade partner, their cooperation is strategic—centred on energy, food security, and infrastructure projects. Indonesia's entry into BRICS strengthens the BRICS format, while also adding a new Asia-Pacific dimension. Alexander Korolev concluded that BRICS expansion reflects a collective aim to build a genuinely equitable framework for international dialogue, where East and West can engage as true partners.