Indonesia Sees Russia as Strategic Partner Amid Global Economic Uncertainty
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JAKARTA, investortrust.id – As global trade and financial markets face persistent volatility, Indonesia sees Russia as a strategic economic partner, particularly in areas such as technology, critical minerals, and energy. The Indonesian government is positioning this partnership as a vital part of its broader strategy to sustain economic growth amid rising geopolitical and economic tensions.
Speaking at the Russia–Indonesia Business Forum in Jakarta on Monday, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said Russia’s resilience and economic alignment with Eurasian trade blocs make it a valuable partner in navigating the current global landscape.
"The economic cooperation between Indonesia and Russia becomes increasingly strategic in today’s uncertain global environment. Eurasia is one of the trade blocs we aim to strengthen further," Airlangga said at the forum, which was held in conjunction with the 13th Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation.
Airlangga reiterated Indonesia’s ambition to achieve 8% annual economic growth by 2028–2029. To meet this target, the government aims to attract $800 million in investment over the next five years, primarily through downstream industrial development and value chain enhancement in sectors such as critical minerals—including nickel, copper, and bauxite—and value-added agricultural products.
Indonesia is currently developing 25 special economic zones across the country, which encompass sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, digital services, and aircraft maintenance. According to Airlangga, Russia could play a significant role in supplying advanced technology for these initiatives.
In the energy sector, Indonesia is pursuing a net-zero emissions target by 2060. Airlangga highlighted potential cooperation with Russian energy firms such as Gazprom, Novatek, and Rosatom in areas including small modular reactor technology, hydrogen development, and battery manufacturing.
On digital transformation, Indonesia targets a domestic digital economy worth $760 million by 2025, and $1 billion across ASEAN by 2030. Achieving this, said Airlangga, would require investments in logistics infrastructure, inter-island energy transmission, and satellite-based digital connectivity.
The minister also proposed expanding tourism cooperation by launching direct flights from Moscow to Indonesian cities beyond Bali, aiming to boost visitor numbers from Russia.
At the forum, Airlangga was accompanied by high-level officials including First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Vice Chair for Foreign Affairs James Riady. He urged business leaders to leverage platforms like the Indonesia-Russia CEO forum and the Roscongress Foundation to build tangible partnerships.
Airlangga also emphasized President Prabowo Subianto’s three core programs: providing free nutritious meals, ensuring food security, and achieving energy self-sufficiency.