Jejak Sejarah Hubungan Persaudaraan Uni Soviet dan Indonesia, Sampai Jokowi dan Putin Terlihat Akrab

Summary

The transcript traces the long and evolving relationship between Indonesia and Russia, beginning from the colonial era through to the modern-day. Highlighting shared values of anti-imperialism and non-alignment, the countries developed strong diplomatic, economic, and military ties, particularly during the Soekarno era. The Soviet Union supported Indonesia's sovereignty, while both nations cooperated in various sectors. Despite setbacks in the New Order era due to anti-communist policies, ties have strengthened again since the 2000s, marked by high-level exchanges and joint commemorations. Their enduring friendship continues to evolve with ongoing collaborations and symbolic gestures like statue exchanges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia and Russia have a long history of mutual relations based on shared anti-colonialism and non-alignment during the Cold War.
• 😀 The relationship between Indonesia and Russia dates back to the 17th century when Russia and the Dutch empires engaged in economic and trade exchanges.
• 😀 In 1885, Russia established a consulate in Batavia (now Jakarta), which later became permanent in 1894 before being closed in 1913.
• 😀 The Soviet Union officially recognized Indonesia's independence in 1950 and supported its UN membership.
• 😀 President Soekarno's visit to Moscow in 1956 led to a joint agreement between Indonesia and the Soviet Union, enhancing their diplomatic ties.
• 😀 Soekarno's 1961 visit to Moscow was marked by cultural exchanges, including a request to restore the Blue Mosque, which was fulfilled by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.
• 😀 Military cooperation between Indonesia and the Soviet Union in the 1960s helped strengthen Indonesia's defense capabilities, especially in resolving the West Irian issue.
• 😀 Indonesia's opposition to Western imperialism during the Soekarno era aligned closely with the Soviet Union's anti-imperialist stance.
• 😀 The relationship between Indonesia and the Soviet Union grew during the Cold War, despite Soekarno's efforts to remain neutral in the global power struggle.
• 😀 After the fall of the Soekarno government in 1965, Indonesia's relationship with the Soviet Union became less intense due to anti-communist policies under President Soeharto, but diplomatic relations persisted.
• 😀 In recent years, the relationship between Russia and Indonesia has been rejuvenated, with bilateral meetings between leaders and the exchange of cultural monuments, including statues of Yuri Gagarin and Soekarno.

Q & A

What historical relationship exists between Indonesia and Russia?

Indonesia and Russia have had a long relationship rooted in shared interests such as anti-colonialism and non-alignment. The relationship dates back to the colonial era, with trade and economic interactions between Russia and Dutch-controlled Indonesia, which later evolved into diplomatic ties during the Soviet Union era.

How did the relationship between Indonesia and Russia start in the colonial era?

During the colonial era, Russia and Indonesia, then known as Batavia under Dutch rule, developed trade relations. Russian warships frequently stopped in Java and Sumatra, and a non-permanent consulate was established in Batavia in 1885, later upgraded to a permanent one in 1894.

What role did the Soviet Union play in Indonesia's independence?

In 1950, the Soviet Union recognized Indonesia’s independence and sovereignty, supporting Indonesia’s entry into the United Nations. This laid the foundation for diplomatic relations between the two countries.

How did Soekarno's visit to Moscow in 1956 impact Indonesia-Russia relations?

President Soekarno's visit to Moscow in 1956 marked a significant step in strengthening the relationship, highlighted by a joint agreement between Indonesia and the Soviet Union. It also led to diplomatic gestures such as the restoration of the Blue Mosque's function in Moscow, fulfilling a request from Soekarno.

What was the significance of the Soviet Union's support for Indonesia's military during Soekarno's presidency?

The Soviet Union provided crucial military equipment to Indonesia, which significantly strengthened its armed forces. This cooperation was vital in addressing the West Irian issue and helped Indonesia maintain its sovereignty amidst geopolitical tensions.

Why did Bung Karno oppose entering the two major Cold War blocs?

Bung Karno opposed aligning Indonesia with either the Western bloc or the Eastern bloc during the Cold War. His aim was to keep Indonesia independent and free from exploitation by major powers while still maintaining relations with both sides, especially the Soviet Union.

What role did Indonesia play in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement?

In 1961, Indonesia, along with several other countries, initiated the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement. This organization brought together countries that did not wish to align themselves with the superpowers of the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union, reflecting Indonesia’s desire for political and economic independence.

How did the relationship between Indonesia and Russia change after Soeharto took power?

After Soeharto came to power in 1966, Indonesia's relationship with the Soviet Union cooled due to his anti-communist policies and alignment with the Western bloc. However, diplomatic relations were maintained, and in 1989, Soeharto visited Moscow to sign an agreement on friendly relations.

What recent developments have occurred in Indonesia-Russia relations?

In recent years, Indonesia and Russia have rekindled their relationship through various exchanges. Notably, in 2021, Indonesia inaugurated a statue of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in Jakarta, and in 2023, Indonesia announced plans to build a statue of Soekarno in Moscow as a reciprocal gesture.

How have Indonesia and Russia collaborated in the field of infrastructure and monuments?

Indonesia and Russia have collaborated on significant infrastructure projects. For example, Russian engineers led the development of the Central General Hospital (RSUP Friendship) in 1963. Additionally, several monuments, including the Farmer Monument in Jakarta, reflect the friendship between the two countries.