Jakarta –
Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) that Russia has been instrumental in helping Indonesia since the beginning of independence. At that time Russia was still the Soviet Union.
This statement was conveyed by Putin when giving his remarks with Jokowi at the Kremlin Palace, Russia on Thursday (30/6).
“Let me remind you that our country is helping Indonesia build a state and strengthen the republic’s position in the international arena,” he said in his remarks with Jokowi, quoted on Saturday (2/7/2022).
In historical records, Russia in 1945 to 1950 built Indonesia to seek international recognition for the independence and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation.
In addition, Putin also said that his country has participated in building various facilities in Indonesia, from transportation to other large industrial infrastructure. Russia’s participation at that time by sending specialists, engineers and contractors.
“With the participation of our specialists, engineers and builders, large industrial transportation and infrastructure facilities, stadiums, hospitals and other important institutions were built in Indonesia, many of which are operational to this day,” he explained.
Well, what Putin said was true. It was recorded in history where relations between Indonesia and Russia became more intimate in 1956-1962. That year is said to be the peak of intimate relations between Indonesia and Russia.
The intimacy of the two countries is shown by visiting each other. Then the results of the visit resulted in agreements, one of which was in infrastructure development.
Starting from the construction of the Friendship Hospital, the Gelora Bung Karno stadium, and the Hotel Indonesia. Then the construction of roads, bridges and airfields in a number of areas, construction of steel factories and other facilities.
Cooperation between Russia and Indonesia
In his remarks, Putin also explained various kinds of discussions with Jokowi. One of them, discusses the cooperation between Russia and Indonesia so far.
In 2021, for example, bilateral trade grew by more than 40%, and was up by more than 65% in the first five months of this year. In light of this, Putin said Russia and Indonesia were committed to continuing cooperation between the two countries.
“In this context, both sides expressed interest in enhancing the work of the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission for Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation,” Putin continued.
In enhancing trade cooperation, Putin said many companies in his country, including energy companies, operate in Indonesia. He also expressed his interest in helping develop the national nuclear power industry.
“With its unmatched experience, competence and technology, Rosatom State Corporation is willing to take part in joint projects, including projects related to the non-energy use of nuclear technology, for example, in medicine and agriculture,” he said.
In fact, Putin offered the initiative to build a railway in the new nation’s capital (IKN). He offers Russian Railways which he thinks can be implemented in IKN.
“Moscow, the capital of Russia, which has developed very well and with high quality improvements, can also participate in this truly ambitious project,” he said.
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