Former US Special Envoy Highlights Indonesia's Strategic Role in Russia–Ukraine Conflict
Former United States Special Envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker has assessed that Indonesia holds significant potential to become a key player in global geopolitical dynamics, particularly in relation to the Russia-Ukraine war.
He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with VIVA Media on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026 on Monday, 16 February 2026.
Volker highlighted Indonesia’s strategic momentum ahead of this year’s global agenda, particularly as the United States prepares to host the G20 Miami Summit. He assessed that Indonesia has an opportunity to assume the role of agenda setter.
“If I were in Indonesia, I would focus on the opportunity to be an agenda setter at the G20 Miami Summit. Indonesia can work closely with the US to identify shared issues that benefit both countries,” he said in a written statement quoted on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
According to Volker, Indonesia’s position as a major nation in Southeast Asia gives it strategic value in building global consensus, including in responding to conflicts that have wide-ranging impacts on international stability.
He also assessed that Indonesia could play a role as a bridge between Western nations and the Global South. In his view, developing countries need to view the Russia-Ukraine conflict through the lens of modern colonialism.
“This is fundamentally a colonial war. Russia is attempting to reclaim its former imperial territories. Indonesia can help explain this reality within the context of both the Global South and the G20,” he said.
Beyond political narratives, Volker highlighted the energy economics dimension. He emphasised that purchasing oil and gas from Russia has the potential to prolong the conflict.
“If you buy Russian oil and gas, you are providing them with funds to continue the war. This runs counter to the objectives of peace,” he stressed.
The issue was deemed a potential concrete talking point for Indonesia to raise in international dialogue forums, given its impact on global stability and energy security.
Regarding Indonesia’s foreign policy stance, Volker assessed that strategic autonomy remains important but cannot be interpreted as absolute neutrality.
“Indonesia has considerable alignment of interests with the US. However, the situation is different from that with China or Russia,” he said, whilst also flagging potential security challenges should Russian influence reassert itself in the Pacific region.