Conclusion
This is consistent with Indonesian foreign policy principles. However, the success of the mediation mission is dependent on both sides’ cooperation. This mission has been approved by the government. People in Indonesia, like other third-world nations, empathize with Russia rather than the West. They perceive the conflict not as one between Russia and Ukraine, but as one between Russia and America, and as a result, they empathize more with the Russian side. The majority of the elite, as well as the general public, empathize with Russia. The media has a different reaction. Furthermore, the fact that Jokowi brought the first lady with him was greatly praised throughout the country. By accompanying her to the battlefield, the president emphasized the initiative’s nonviolent character.
Indonesia’s recent activities suggest a gradual change toward aggressively intervening and demonstrating its place as a major power and leader in emerging countries. While continuing to invite delegates from Russia and Ukraine to the G20, it employs a diplomatic assault to avoid the West’s cold shoulder and encourage leadership. People’s political standing nationally, regionally, and globally, as well as Indonesia’s own national interests. Perhaps the context for this advantage is that the United States’ Indo-Pacific policy has moved Asia into Europe and Europe into Asia, and Indonesia’s role is filling the vacuum of a comfortable between ground.
Read: Be wary of the three consequences of rapid deglobalization
But, the meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin is a significant question. It is unknown whether the Russian president will travel there. He is well-known for his fear of foreign visits. He might have gone if a meeting with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, was required. Alternatively, he can go despite the West’s desire to boycott the meeting due to his presence.
If all parties agree to meet, our main difficulty will be to enhance our negotiation position. And the G20 summit in November is the ideal opportunity for Zelenskyy to meet with Putin. Then we may anticipate a reduction in tension at the front and a truce. As a result, the West is unlikely to obstruct the G20 summit.
Jokowi has been busy on the diplomatic front in his last two years in government, and he is likely to build a diplomatic reputation for himself in the same way that previous President Yudhoyono did. However, the public is aware that Jokowi admires Sukarno, Indonesia’s founding father, and Jokowi may possibly aspire to build a reputation for himself in the NonAligned Movement, as Sukarno did. However, the world situation now is far more complex than it was during the Sukarno era, and Indonesia will have significant challenges in properly mediating the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. (M.Raihan Ronodipuro)
M.Raihan Ronodipuro earned a Master of Law in International Relations from the School of International and Public Affairs at Jilin University in China. He serves as an Associate Researcher in the Department of Politics and Security at the Center for Indonesia-China Studies (CICS).