In St. Petersburg, Indonesia Shows the World Why Peace Still Matters
By Teguh Anantawikrama,
Vice Chairman, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KADIN)
Founder & Chairman, Indonesian Tourism Investor Club
INVESTORTRUST - In the city where President Vladimir Putin was born and Russia’s long history of struggle and resilience lives on, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto delivered a message the world needed to hear: that friendship is always worth more than rivalry, and peace is never out of style. His speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) last week was more than a protocol greeting.
It was a timely reminder that Indonesia — the world’s largest archipelago and the beating heart of Southeast Asia — stands ready to bridge divides when others choose sides. Eight times, applause rose from an audience that included President Putin and other world leaders.
The message was clear: Indonesia’s steady voice of non-alignment and mutual respect still carries weight in a time of great uncertainty.
Trade and Trust
This visit to Russia also highlights practical opportunities. Bilateral trade between our countries reached about US$ 3 billion last year — promising, but far from our true potential. Russia needs secure partners for food and raw materials; Indonesia has them. We export palm oil, coal, rubber, seafood, and halal products — all highly sought after in the Russian and Eurasian markets.
On the flip side, Indonesia seeks more cooperation in energy, technology, and defense industries — areas where Russia has expertise to share. If we use this momentum wisely, SPIEF can open real deals that benefit workers and families back home.
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A Bridge, Not a Pawn
The world today is tense. War threatens livelihoods far beyond battlefields. Mistrust breaks supply chains and divides communities.
Indonesia refuses to be dragged into this chaos. From Soekarno to today, our foreign policy has been clear: we are friends to all, enemies to none. Our people believe in gotong royong — working together for common good — and President Prabowo’s words in St. Petersburg prove that spirit is alive and well.
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Putin Calls Indonesia a Strategic Trade Partner, Backs Energy and BRICS+ Ties
A Call to Action
It’s time to turn these values into action. Business leaders must build new partnerships. Policymakers must keep Indonesia’s voice heard in every forum. Ordinary Indonesians must remember: our greatest strength is our unity and reputation for peace.
From the applause in St. Petersburg to our villages and cities back home, let’s show the world that Indonesia is more than just a market or a resource hub. We are a nation of peacemakers — and in this divided age, that may be our most valuable role. ***