Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry reinforced its commitment to global industrial diplomacy during Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita’s working visit to Moscow, Russia, which aimed to accelerate several ongoing Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries (08/12).

The Ministry stated that these efforts are part of strengthening international cooperation to enhance Indonesia’s industrial competitiveness.

“Industrial cooperation between Indonesia and Russia is the main foundation for efforts to improve domestic industry competitiveness at the global level. This marks our commitment to strengthening relations with strategic partner countries focused on long-term collaboration,” said Minister Agus in Moscow.

MoU Finalization Becomes Main Focus of Bilateral Talks

During the visit, the Minister held a bilateral meeting with Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov.

The meeting discussed the acceleration of MoU completion and explored potential areas of expanded cooperation between the two nations.

The discussion was described as an important moment in strengthening industrial relations.

“Industrial cooperation between Indonesia and Russia is entering a new, more concrete, and more directed phase. We discussed various bilateral topics such as strengthening cooperation in manufacturing, halal industry, unmanned technology, and others. The signing and finalization of these MoUs form an important basis for expanding technology cooperation, research, and national industrial competitiveness,” said the Minister.

Two MoUs Signed on Shipbuilding and Chrysotile Asbestos Research

The meeting resulted in the agreement of two cooperation documents: the MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Scientific Research on the Safe Use of Chrysotile Asbestos and the MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Shipbuilding.

The shipbuilding MoU outlines collaboration in the shipyard sector, which the Minister expects will contribute significantly to shipyard industry development in both countries.

The asbestos research MoU establishes cooperation on scientific research related to the safe use of chrysotile.

As part of this initiative, two Indonesian laboratory personnel previously joined training supported by the Russian government in September 2024.

The Minister emphasized that these collaborations will support the development of the manufacturing sector, industrial human resources, and broader cooperation between Indonesia and Russia.

Follow-Up Actions on Joint Commission Agenda

The bilateral meeting also reviewed progress on the outcomes of the Indonesia–Russia Joint Commission, especially within the Working Group on Trade, Investment, and Industry.

The Minister hopes concrete steps can be taken soon on several issues, including industry, halal supply chains, trade, logistics, standardization and certification, agriculture, and finance.

According to the Ministry, aligning these cooperation programs will support Indonesia’s readiness to showcase its industrial potential at INNOPROM 2026.

This cooperation is expected to strengthen market access, improve supply chains, and accelerate industrial transformation toward a more modern and competitive direction.

Support for BRICS Industrial Initiatives and Longstanding Diplomacy

The Minister also expressed support for the development of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competences (BCIC).

“Indonesia fully supports collaboration with Russia in various international forums, including BCIC, which has the potential to drive industrial digitalization, ‘new mobility’ technology, unmanned transport systems, human resource development, SME development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and bio-industry,” he said.

Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia, which have lasted for 75 years, were further strengthened through a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Vladimir Putin in June 2025.

“This year we are celebrating 75 years of bilateral relations with a long historical value, and we hope future collaboration will continue to strengthen. We also welcome President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to Jakarta to reinforce cooperation between the two countries,” the Minister stated.

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY

This article was created with AI assistance.