'No change in Russia-RI policy under Medvedev'

Veeramalla Anjaiah and Tony Hotland ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 06/11/2008 10:37 AM  |  World

Will there be any major change in Russian policy toward Indonesia, the biggest economy in Southeast Asia, under President Dmitry Medvedev? No, not at all, says Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Alexander A. Ivanov.

"Our attitude to developing relations with Indonesia has not changed," Ambassador Ivanov told The Jakarta Post in an interview recently at his office in Jakarta.

Continuity and stability are the keywords, Ivanov said, for Russia's foreign policy under President Medvedev.

According to Ivanov, presently both Russia and Indonesia, the two biggest countries in the Asia-Pacific region, have "excellent" relations.

"We have close relations at the political level. We cooperate in international fora and have common perceptions on various international issues. We both adhere to the norms and procedures of the UN Charter and international law," Ivanov said.

Relations between Russia and Indonesia, Ivanov said, received a big boost after the historic visit of then Russian president Vladimir Putin to Indonesia in September 2007.

"Putin's visit was a breakthrough in our bilateral relations. Eight important bilateral documents were signed to enhance our cooperation in economic, defense and other fields.

"We agreed to provide a state credit of US$1 billion to Indonesia for the purchase of military equipment," Ivanov said.

The unique thing about Russia's military technical cooperation with other countries is the flexible terms and conditions, Ivanov said.

"Our military and technical cooperation with Indonesia is not directed against any third country. We don't attach any political and technical terms and conditions," he said.

According to Ivanov, Russia is willing to transfer technology to Indonesia in certain areas. However, he declined to mention these areas.

Putin also brought a 300-plus business delegation with him to Jakarta for the 2007 visit. There was also a business forum to discuss opportunities with Indonesian counterparts.

"As a result the number of visiting Russian businesspeople was doubled in 2007 compared to 2006. There is a huge potential on both sides," Ivanov said.

Though trade has been growing from year to year, it is still far below the potential of both countries.

"Last year our bilateral trade was $916 million. This year it may surpass the $1 billion mark. It's a positive and dynamic development," Ivanov said.

When asked about why the trade volume was so small given both countries' economic potential, Ivanov said it was because of lack of information on the potential of both countries.

"Increasing the awareness of Indonesian businesspeople about Russia and vice versa is our top priority," Ivanov said.

Russia's biggest aluminum company, Russal, recently signed an agreement with state gold and nickel mining company PT Aneka Tambang to build an alumina plant in West Kalimantan .

"Both companies have already signed the agreement. Russal will invest over $2 billion in West Kalimantan," Ivanov said.

Russia's oil companies, automotive and mining equipment companies, Ivanov said, also want to invest in Indonesia.

On people-to-people contacts, Ivanov said, "More and more Indonesians are learning the Russian language. We are offering around 30 scholarships to Indonesian students to study in Russia."

The Russian Embassy is also planning to bring more cultural troupes to Indonesia to introduce Russian culture to Indonesians.

When asked about his main mission in Indonesia, Ivanov said it was to strengthen bilateral as well as people-to-people contacts.

"Increasing trade and investment is my priority. But I will also try to strengthen our cooperation in all areas. I am optimistic about our future bilateral relations," Ivanov said.

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