Ambassador: Vast Potential for Educational Cooperation and Islamic Dialogue Between Indonesia and Russia
Jakarta — Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov has assessed that cooperation between Indonesian and Russian societies holds significant potential for strengthening through Islamic education and interfaith Muslim dialogue between the two nations.
“There are many Islamic universities in Indonesia, as well as several secondary schools and higher education institutions of a similar nature in Russia. We can explore exchange programmes in this field,” Tolchenov said after attending an iftar reception hosted by the Russian Embassy with the Russian Spiritual Board of Muslims at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Saturday.
He cited the example of Arip Sultanmagomedov, the official representative of the Russian Spiritual Board of Muslims in Indonesia, who recently completed studies at one of Malang’s Islamic universities in East Java. According to Tolchenov, Arip exemplifies Russian Islamic religious leaders who have deepened their Islamic knowledge in Indonesia.
Additionally, Tolchenov noted that he is acquainted with several other Russian students currently studying Islam at various pesantren and Islamic schools across Indonesia. This, he stated, demonstrates that both nations can learn from one another in the development of Islamic knowledge and understanding.
Tolchenov expressed hope that the enthusiasm of Russian Muslims to study Islam in Indonesia could be matched by the presence of Indonesian Muslim academics in Russia. “We would like to see more Indonesian Muslims come to Russia to explain Islam in my country,” he said.
Beyond Islamic education, he also advocated for strengthening dialogue between scholars and religious leaders from both nations. According to Tolchenov, such interaction is essential for reinforcing the friendship between the two countries whilst building mutual understanding.
He also highlighted the active involvement of Indonesian Muslim scholar Din Syamsuddin in the Strategic Vision Group Russia–Islamic World. This forum brings together Muslim leaders and Russian officials to discuss efforts to strengthen peace and mutual prosperity.
Tolchenov revealed that the Russian government plans to reconvene the forum in May 2026 in Kazan. He expressed hope that Indonesian Muslim representatives will participate actively in that meeting.
“I would be delighted to see more Indonesian scholars attend and share their views on how we can strengthen peace and cooperation between our two nations and within the broader Islamic world,” Tolchenov said.