Jakarta. The bilateral relationship between Russia and Belarus has reached a level of integration unmatched anywhere else in the world, according to speakers at the Jakarta Globe Insight forum on Tuesday.

Belarusian Ambassador to Indonesia Raman Ramanouski described the two nations as operating through the Union State of Belarus and Russia, a framework that has created exceptionally close economic and political coordination.

“It is a structure of a very high level of integration between the two countries. Our economies are very closely intertwined,” Ramanouski said.

He added that citizens of both countries are able to move freely across borders and enjoy equal access to employment and business opportunities.

“I’m not aware of other examples in the world of such close and high-level cooperation,” he said.

Ramanouski joined Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov and former Indonesian ambassador to the World Trade Organization Iman Pambagyo for the 90-minute discussion, moderated by entrepreneur and foreign policy enthusiast Anthony Wonsono.

Russia Offers Energy Security Partnership
Tolchenov said Moscow is prepared to support Indonesia’s energy security goals through oil supplies and nuclear power cooperation.

Relations between Indonesia and Russia have strengthened since President Prabowo Subianto and President Vladimir Putin agreed to establish a strategic partnership during talks in St. Petersburg last year. The two leaders met again in Moscow earlier this month, where they reportedly reached an oil supply agreement, although financial details were not disclosed.

Tolchenov argued that recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed global oil prices higher, illustrate how regional conflicts can destabilize the wider economy.

“In the modern world, no country can ensure energy and food security on its own. Bilateral ties between Indonesia and the Russian Federation can contribute to Indonesia’s energy and food security.”

For long-term resilience, he said nuclear energy could shield countries from fluctuations in fossil fuel and coal markets. He pointed to Rosatom as a potential technology partner, noting the company’s existing projects in countries including China, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Egypt.

Belarus Seeks Broader Economic Cooperation
Indonesia’s ties with Belarus entered a new phase after President Prabowo visited President Aleksandr Lukashenko on July 15, 2025. Both countries agreed to broaden bilateral trade beyond fertilizer imports, historically the core of their commercial relationship.

Ramanouski said Belarus could help Indonesia achieve food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

“Indonesian farmers know Belarusian fertilizers very well, and this remains a strategic sector in our bilateral cooperation,” he said.

He added that Belarus is ready to pursue joint production of tractors, harvesters, and other agricultural machinery to help modernize Indonesia’s farming sector and improve efficiency.

The ambassador also said Belarus hopes to expand exports of dairy and other agricultural products to Indonesia, potentially supporting the government’s free nutritious meal program.

Beyond agriculture, he cited opportunities in petrochemicals, mining equipment, smart-city traffic systems, electric buses, and housing construction.

Global Trade Under Pressure
The forum also examined the state of international commerce. Iman Pambagyo said the multilateral trading system remains functional, but is under increasing strain as major powers circumvent established institutions and rules.

“The WTO is still largely intact, with the Secretariat functioning and members’ commitments still legally binding. But major powers are increasingly bypassing discipline.”

According to Iman, the global trade system is not collapsing, but “is being politically outgrown by its own members.”

Both Tolchenov and Ramanouski said they favor a multilateral trading environment free from sanctions and trade restrictions.

Russia remains under Western sanctions following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Tolchenov said some businesses in Indonesia have become hesitant to engage with Russia due to fears of secondary sanctions.

“Are you brave enough to do business with countries like Russia, Belarus, or Iran?” he asked the audience.

Closing the discussion, moderator Anthony Wonsono said diversification of economic partnerships will be essential as geopolitical tensions reshape global trade.

“If we look beyond one, two, or three traditional economic partners, we will see that the opportunities are boundless.”

He said maintaining an open mind and expanding Indonesia’s network of partners would be a critical first step in strengthening long-term economic resilience.

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