indonesiabrief.com/ — Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Russia–Indonesia Business Forum 2025 Held in Jakarta
The Indonesia-Russia Business Forum held today marks a significant milestone in advancing trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
More than 30 Russian companies from various sectors—including digital solutions, food products, specialized equipment, and other industrial fields—participated in the forum to explore concrete collaboration opportunities with Indonesian businesses.
This prestigious forum is an initiative of the Roscongress Foundation, through Roscongress International, in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). The event is also part of the 13th Session of the Indonesia-Russia Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation.
During the plenary session titled "Russia-Indonesia Strategy of Partnership," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized the role of the forum as a tangible platform to align business interests between the two nations.
“The partnership between KADIN Indonesia and the Roscongress Foundation is key to delivering real solutions that meet the needs of businesses in both countries,” said Minister Airlangga.
Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, expressed strong optimism for strengthening strategic cooperation, particularly in the agriculture and energy sectors. He also stressed the urgency of finalizing a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
“To ensure the sustainability of our cooperation, we hope the Indonesia-EAEU free trade agreement will be finalized and signed within this year,” said DPM Manturov.
During the forum, Minister Airlangga also outlined Indonesia's key policy directions, including the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrial downstreaming, and digital transformation.
“There are currently 25 SEZs spread across the country, from Aceh to Papua. With special incentives and facilities, SEZs are expected to drive economic growth and attract more investment,” he explained.
He also highlighted the importance of downstreaming in key sectors such as nickel, copper, bauxite, palm oil, and petrochemicals to create domestic added value and reduce reliance on raw material exports.
In the context of digital transformation, Airlangga noted that Indonesia’s digital economy is projected to approach USD 1 trillion by 2030. He pointed to strong potential for collaboration with Russia, particularly in cybersecurity, education, healthcare, and tourism technologies.
“I hope this meeting fosters deeper business-to-business understanding and agreements, opens up market access, and generates new investment opportunities in renewable energy, technology, and manufacturing,” he added.
Several prominent figures attended the forum, including:
Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy for Economic Cooperation and Investment Coordination, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs
Sergey Shiskarev, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Delo Group
Alexander Stuglev, CEO, Roscongress Foundation
Veronika Nikishina, General Director, Russian Export Center
James Riady, Vice Chairman for International Relations, KADIN Indonesia
Ahmad Siddik Badruddin, Director of Risk Management, PT Pertamina (Persero)
Ismeth Wibowo, Commissioner, PT SUNRA Retail Indonesia and grandson of National Hero Ir. H. Djuanda
As part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-Russia diplomatic relations, the forum was followed by a Joint Concert held at the Ciputra Artpreneur Theater in the evening. The concert began at 6:45 PM WIB and served as a symbol of strengthened cultural cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
The concert was attended by several national figures, including Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotejo, and Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha.
