Reading the Meaning Behind Indonesia's Meetings with the US and Russia

The Indonesian government is executing a parallel diplomatic manoeuvre by dispatching the Defence Minister to the United States (US) and President Prabowo Subianto’s direct visit to Russia. Mutiara Pertiwi, a lecturer in International Relations at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, assesses this step as an effort to seek alternative energy supplies while reinforcing Indonesia’s foreign policy independence. She highlights the approach to Moscow as carrying a symbolic mission to secure logistics routes in the Middle East through Russia’s influence over Iran. “There is potential to seek alternative energy supplies and to send a signal of Indonesia’s position not being bound to the US stance in this global political crisis,” Mutiara told Kompas.com on Tuesday (14/4/2026). However, she offers critical notes regarding the government’s transparency and readiness in executing such cooperation to avoid harming national interests in the future. “Reflecting on several previous events, I must admit I am quite concerned about the details of the agreements. The issue is how mature and effective these steps are, as information is still too minimal at present,” she stated. James Gulid, an Assistant Professor at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), describes this dynamic as a tangible embodiment of non-aligned policy. Although strategic, Indonesia’s steps are not without obstacles. In Russia, Moscow’s ability to meet Indonesia’s oil demands is doubted due to Ukrainian drone attacks on their energy infrastructure and Western sanctions issues. On the other hand, Indonesia must also navigate US sanctions policies under US President Donald Trump’s administration, which are becoming increasingly stringent. This two-way diplomacy is seen as Indonesia’s effort to remain sovereign. For information, the Indonesian government is carrying out its free and active diplomatic manoeuvre this week. While President Prabowo Subianto departs for Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin is holding high-level meetings at the US Department of Defense headquarters, the Pentagon. This step is assessed as Indonesia’s attempt to balance national interests amid the global energy crisis and rising geopolitical tensions.