Russia Committed to Fostering Military-Technical Cooperation with Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Indonesia, including by strengthening military and technical cooperation. The commitment was expressed by Vladimir N. Medvedkov, a delegate from Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), at the opening of the “Weapons of Independence” exhibition at the Satria Mandala Museum in Jakarta on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Medvedkov said the exhibition is expected to remind the public of important chapters in the history of bilateral relations between Russia and Indonesia. He also highlighted the history of Soviet military assistance to Indonesia during the leadership of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno.

According to him, Soviet military assistance to Indonesia in the 1950s and 1960s marked the beginning of a long and productive history of military and technical cooperation between the two countries. “It was then that the long and fruitful history of military and technical cooperation between our countries began, playing a decisive role in the struggle of the Indonesian people against foreign colonizers and in strengthening their independence,” he said.

He explained that during the period, Indonesia received various military equipment from the Soviet Union, including fighter jets, bombers, transport aircraft, armored vehicles, destroyers, submarines, and missile boats. The supplies became an important part of the combat capabilities of the Indonesian armed forces and supported Indonesia’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty.

Medvedkov added that the cooperation involved not only the provision of defense equipment, but also the modernization of the Indonesian armed forces, combat training, and the training of Indonesian military personnel. The cooperation continued in subsequent years, including after President Suharto’s visit to the Soviet Union in 1989 and the procurement of various Russian defense systems, including Sukhoi fighter jets, Mi helicopters, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and assault rifles.

According to him, thousands of Indonesian military specialists have undergone training in Russia. He emphasized that Russia considers Indonesia a friendly country and a strategic partner, while also recognizing Indonesia as one of the world’s most dynamically developing economies and an important member of ASEAN and BRICS.

“We are committed to deepening our bilateral relations. We are open to continuing cooperation with Indonesia on an equal footing based on the principles of mutual respect. We are ready to build up business ties and develop cooperation across a wide range of areas, including military-technical cooperation,” Medvedkov said.

Medvedkov said Russia sees opportunities to further develop military-technical cooperation with Indonesia, including through the use of advanced technologies, the development of production and scientific sectors, and the creation of new jobs. He expressed confidence that such cooperation would strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and contribute to Indonesia’s security, in line with the national interests and goals of both countries.