Diaspora Becomes the Face of Indonesia in Russia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian diaspora in Russia has great potential to strengthen Indonesia-Russia relations, particularly through their role as cultural bridges, sources of information about Indonesia, and informal diplomatic agents within Russian society.

Indonesian diaspora member in Russia, Ami Maulana, said Indonesians living abroad should not necessarily be viewed as people who have left their homeland behind. Many members of the diaspora still hold Indonesian citizenship and maintain strong ties with their home country.

“Wherever we live, Indonesia remains our homeland, and we continue to love Indonesia,” Maulana told RRI Voice of Indonesia recently.

Maulana, who lives in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, said the Indonesian diaspora can help introduce Indonesia to local communities through various cultural activities. He cited Indonesian exhibitions in Russia as well as efforts to promote Indonesian arts and culture, including performances of Indonesian songs.

“I have organized several Indonesian exhibitions in Russia. We introduce Indonesia to Russian audiences and also sing Indonesian songs in Russia, because very few Russians know much about Indonesia,” he said.

Maulana also said such efforts are important because many Russians still have limited knowledge about Indonesia. In addition to cultural activities, the diaspora’s ability to speak Russian is also an important asset in strengthening communication and cooperation between the two countries.

Maulana, who also works as a correspondent for a Russian media group covering ASEAN-related issues, said he has a dedicated column on Indonesia written in Russian for Russian readers.

“Language is one of the keys to diplomacy and cooperation between Indonesia and Russia,” he said.

He said the increasingly close relationship between Indonesia and Russia, including in the education sector, provides opportunities for Indonesians to broaden their experience and perspectives by studying in Russia.

Maulana said studying abroad not only provides additional knowledge and experience but also helps Indonesians understand how their country is viewed by the international community.

“When we study abroad, we gain a perspective on how people in other countries view Indonesia. That is something we do not necessarily get when we study in Indonesia,” he said.

Maulana conveyed such experiences can also boost Indonesians’ confidence, as many people abroad view Indonesia as a great, beautiful country with tremendous potential.

Therefore, he encouraged young Indonesians who have the opportunity to study abroad to use it to gain knowledge, experience, and international networks, and later bring those benefits back to Indonesia.

He also sees scholarship opportunities in Russia as an option for Indonesians, particularly amid plans to expand Indonesia-Russia cooperation in the education sector. “This is an opportunity. So, if there is a chance to study in Russia, I think it should be taken,” he said.

Maulana emphasized that Indonesians living abroad can continue to contribute to their homeland in various fields, including culture, education, media, diplomacy, and economic relations. He said the Indonesian diaspora should be viewed as a valuable asset and a source of strength for Indonesia in building global networks and introducing the country to the world.