ASEAN-Russia Summit: Expert says Indonesia has charisma to safeguard cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s presence at the ASEAN-Russia Summit is considered strategically significant for strengthening the partnership, as Indonesia possesses its own charisma in maintaining the continuity and stability of ASEAN-Russia cooperation amid global geopolitical dynamics. The statement was made by international relations expert Teuku Rezasyah, referring to Indonesia’s position as a founding member of ASEAN as well as the largest economy and population in the region. “Indonesia’s presence in Russia within the ASEAN-Russia context is very important. As a founding member of ASEAN with the largest economy and population, Indonesia has its own charisma as a guarantor of solid ASEAN-Russia cooperation,” he said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday. The Padjadjaran University academic stated that Indonesia’s presence in the forum is not only symbolically important but also provides concrete benefits for the development of bilateral and regional cooperation. Indonesia and Russia currently have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership document, which Reza said allows all achievements to be mutually communicated in bilateral dialogue. “Especially when it concerns Asta Cita, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and efforts to support ASEAN-Russia for peace and cooperation with the Middle East region,” he added. Beyond strengthening bilateral relations, the expert expressed hope that Indonesia can encourage the creation of a more measurable ASEAN-Russia joint agenda, so that the benefits can be felt evenly by all ASEAN member states. “The ASEAN-Russia Summit should have a joint agenda, created systematically and measurably, so that it benefits all ASEAN members, small and large,” he said. Through Indonesia’s active role, the ASEAN-Russia forum is expected to produce concrete steps that strengthen economic cooperation, sustainable development, and contributions to regional and global stability and peace. Indonesia’s presence at the ASEAN-Russia Summit, which took place from 17-19 June in Kazan, Russia, was represented by Foreign Minister Sugiono. Minister of State Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi explained the reason President Prabowo Subianto cancelled his attendance at the agenda. Prasetyo said one consideration was that President Prabowo had recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 13 April 2026, and had also met several leaders of ASEAN member countries during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on 7-8 May 2026. “The President has his own considerations because there are still many things he wants to focus on resolving domestically,” said the State Secretary Minister when met by reporters at the main gate area of Prabowo’s private residence, Padepokan Garuda Yaksa, in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Wednesday.