Seminar “Knowing Russian-Indonesian Geopolitics & Diplomacy in History”, with Daniya Sabirova (St. Petersburg University & ORVALA Channel content creator), and HM (Student Association) History FIB Diponegoro University, Saturday, February 15, 2025.
The seminar began by outlining the history of diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and Indonesia. Starting from the recognition of the sovereignty of the Soviet Union to the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, 1948. Then, diplomatic relations were formalized and embassies were opened on February 3, 1950.
Daniya Sabirova also talked about Russian perspectives on Indonesia. Especially regarding the “Leningrad Blue Mosque”, the Great Mosque in the city of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) which in the Stalin era was closed, during President Sukarno’s 1961 visit it was opened. Also, the story of the return visit of the leader of the Soviet Union, Nikita Krushchev to Indonesia, and the various assistance provided; infrastructure development (Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, National Monument, Jakarta Pancoran Statue), educational scholarships, and others. Many Indonesian students were sent to study in the Soviet Union, but unfortunately, the political polemics in Indonesia in 1965-1967 meant that some Indonesian students could not return to their homeland (became exiles).
Soviet-Indonesian relations were closed during the New Order era due to geopolitical perspectives. After the reformation, Russia, as the successor of the Soviet Union, re-established diplomatic relations. In the era of President Joko Widodo, and now President Prabowo Subianto, the relationship between the two countries is getting stronger.
The Russian government through the Russian Embassy to Indonesia, from Lyudmila Votobieva to Sergei Tolchenov, has actively built relationships and organized various events in Indonesia. This includes providing thousands of scholarship quotas for Indonesian students.
As a Russian citizen who speaks Indonesian fluently, Daniya Sabirova made this discussion more interesting and very important in building closeness and maintaining diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as introducing Russia (including Russian Government scholarships) to students, especially History & Faculty of Arts Diponegoro University.
