Despite the calls from numerous countries to exclude Russia from the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali later this year, it seems like Indonesia is inclined to accept President Vladimir Putin to the Island of the Gods – while hoping that a peaceful solution between Russia and Ukraine can be reached before then.
Speaking to reporters at the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Jakarta yesterday, DPR’S deputy chairman Muhaimin Iskandar said that he had confirmed Putin’s intention to visit the summit in Bali in November with Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, Lyudmila Vorobyova.
“We already asked and, as of today, there is a readiness and ability [of Putin] to attend [the G20 Summit],” Muhaimin, popularly known as Cak Imin, said.
In the meeting with Vorobyova, Cak Imin said they also discussed the Russia-Ukraine crisis, during which the Indonesian politician shared his concerns that the ongoing tension might lead to a global war. As such, Cak Imin expressed Indonesia’s wish for peace between the two countries to avoid more casualties.
“Our main stance is for the war to end soon and Russia can swiftly overcome the situation,” he said.
According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 902 civilians have been killed and 1,459 have been wounded in the war in Ukraine. The data was recorded between Feb. 24 and March 20, but the office warned the actual number could be higher than reported.
Most casualties were hit by “explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems, and missile and airstrikes,” OHCHR said.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis has reportedly put Indonesia, which holds the G20 presidency for the first time, in an awkward position. The increasing calls to exclude Russia from the summit pose a question on whether welcoming Putin to Bali in Indonesia would jeopardize Indonesia’s own interests in G20.
In an interview with Coconuts, Ukraine’s ambassador to Indonesia, Vasyl Hamianin denounced the planned appearance of Putin at the summit.
“He must be considered as [a] war criminal,” he said.
When asked about Indonesia’s position as a first-time G20 president, Hamianin said that he “believe that the wisdom and experience of Indonesia will lead to the right solution.”
