Ambassador: Bung Karno laid the foundation for Indonesia-Russia relations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, stated that Indonesia’s first President Soekarno (Bung Karno) was a key figure who laid the foundation for close relations between Indonesia and Russia since the Soviet Union era.

The Russian Embassy plans to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Bung Karno’s birth through various special activities, including the publication of articles on his history and relations with Russia.

This was conveyed by Tolchenov during a meeting with Indonesia’s fifth President and Chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Soekarnoputri at her residence in Jakarta on Thursday.

“We want to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Father Soekarno. He was born on 6 June 1901, and this year marks the 125th jubilee of Bung Karno. The Russian Embassy will publish articles about Bung Karno and invite Mother Megawati to contribute,” said Tolchenov.

Megawati, quoted from her written statement, welcomed the idea. She said that PDI-P would also hold a series of Bung Karno Month activities in June.

In the warm dialogue, Megawati recalled her family’s close relations with Soviet and Russian leaders. She mentioned knowing several figures such as Kliment Voroshilov, Nikita Khrushchev, up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Megawati revealed that as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, she had known Putin since he was still serving in the St. Petersburg city government.

“Convey my warm regards to President Putin,” said Megawati.

Megawati also recalled her visit to Russia during her tenure as President of Indonesia to purchase main weapon system equipment (alutsista), including Sukhoi fighter jets.

According to Megawati, Indonesia was in difficult economic conditions at the time, so she took a breakthrough step by conducting direct transactions using the rouble currency and a commodity barter scheme.

“I said at the time that we had no money and did not want to convert to US dollars, but directly to roubles because the funds were insufficient; we offered barter with commodities like soybeans and others. Finally, an agreement was reached,” Megawati explained.

Megawati also questioned why Indonesia’s international trade still heavily relies on the US dollar. According to her, bilateral transactions using local currencies could open up broader cooperation opportunities with major countries.

On that occasion, Megawati also expressed hope that Indonesia’s Sukhoi aircraft could receive maintenance and overhaul support from Russia.

In response, Tolchenov said that the cooperation built during Megawati’s administration forms an important foundation for the bilateral relations between the two countries to this day.

“Russian alutsista began entering Indonesia during President Megawati’s era. That became the basis for very good cooperation,” said Tolchenov.

He also assessed that direct rupiah-rouble transactions should be a solution in bilateral trade amid the global geopolitical situation and economic sanctions against Russia.

In addition to discussing bilateral relations and defence, the meeting also touched on opportunities for research cooperation between the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Russian scientific institutions.

Megawati, who also serves as Chair of the BRIN Advisory Board, explained that Indonesia has recently discovered an active underwater volcano and needs technological support and scientific cooperation.

Tolchenov stated that Russia is ready to assist through cooperation with the Russian Academy of Sciences, including the use of submarine technology and underwater unmanned vehicles.

“We already have cooperation with BRIN in the nuclear and space fields. Even a Yuri Gagarin monument will be established in the BRIN environment,” he said.

The Russian Ambassador also proposed screening a documentary film on Soekarno’s visit to the Soviet Union through cooperation with the Megawati Institute or the Agency for the Development of Pancasila Ideology (BPIP).

The meeting took place amicably, accompanied by Deputy Russian Ambassador Veronika Novoseltseva, who is fluent in Indonesian.

Meanwhile, Megawati was accompanied by PDIP General Secretary Hasto Kristiyanto, Treasurer General Olly Dondokambey, PDIP Deputy Chair Eriko Sotarduga, and Executive Director of the Megawati Institute Hilmar Farid.