Indonesia’s New President-Elect Cozying Up to Russia: What’s Behind the Warm Embrace?

Russia is intensifying its engagement with Indonesia following recent political changes in Jakarta. Prabowo Subianto, who is set to assume the presidency next month officially, seems poised to embrace a notably pro-Russia stance.

On Tuesday, President-elect Prabowo met with Sergey Tulchetoff, the newly appointed Russian ambassador, who had arrived in Indonesia the previous day. 

In the statement issued that day, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense mentioned, “We expect our defense cooperation to deepen as together we can resolve common security challenges and promote world peace and prosperity.”

Prabowo, who secured the presidency in February, has actively pursued solid ties with Russia and China. His visits to these countries as president-elect suggest continuing the neutral diplomatic policies of outgoing President Joko Widodo, particularly amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China.

In the wake of the Ukraine conflict, Russia has been seeking to counter its increasing diplomatic isolation by bolstering relations with Indonesia. 

Russia initiated diverse efforts to establish cooperative relations, including forming an economic delegation, establishing a Russian cultural center, and appointing Tulchetoff as ambassador, coinciding with Prabowo’s visit to Moscow in July. Tulchetoff is known as an expert on Indonesia and has served as a minister-counselor at the Indonesian embassy for over a decade.

During his meeting with Prabowo, Tulchetoff tried to win Indonesia’s favor with the BRICS card, saying, “Indonesia is being considered a very strong candidate for BRICS membership.”