Russian Invasion Of Ukraine: Foreign Minister Retno Says Indonesia Continues To Consult With All G20 Members At All Levels

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia was continuing to conduct consultations regarding the situation in Ukraine, which occurred with the G20 Presidency.

Indonesia will host the G20 summit in October in Bali. The event is still a long way off, but the meeting is already attracting attention, as Russia's position on the invasion of Ukraine has led to pressure to remove it from membership.

"Indonesia continues to consult with all members of the G20 regarding the situation in Ukraine. Consultations are carried out at all levels from the president, the foreign minister, the finance minister, to the sherpa and deputy levels," Foreign Minister Retno explained in a virtual press statement from Qatar, on March 28.

Foreign Minister Retno underlined, as the G20 Presidency, Indonesia continues to listen to the views and suggestions of all members. He also said that the G20 is the world's hope to be a catalyst for the recovery of the pandemic and the economy.

Foreign Minister Retno further revealed that she also discussed the situation in Ukraine together with Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova.

"Our focus is on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, which is indeed very worrying. If the war continues, it is certain that the humanitarian situation will get worse," she explained.

"Considering the urgent humanitarian conditions, Indonesia will positively consider sending aid to the Ukrainian people," she said.

Power and heat plants in Ukraine were destroyed by the Russian attack. (Wikimedia Commons/dsns.gov.ua/State Emergency Service of Ukraine)

As previously reported, Indonesia will continue to invite Russia to attend the G20 Summit which will be held at the end of October, amid heavy criticism over the invasion of Ukraine.

Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobieva in her statement yesterday in Jakarta said Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to attend the G20 Summit in Bali.

She appreciated the position of the Government of Indonesia as the G20 Presidency, amid requests not to invite Russia to attend.

Regarding this, the Special Staff for Strengthening Priority Programs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the G20 Co-Sherpa, Dian Triansyah Djani, said that Indonesia would still invite Russia.

"As a presidency and in accordance with the previous presidency, Indonesia invites all members," he said in a virtual press statement Thursday, March 24.

He explained that Indonesia has on various occasions led international organizations and forums in the world, always adhering to the applicable rules and procedures.

"One of the duties of the presidency is to consult with all members. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, the Minister of Finance, and others hold consultations with all parties on a bilateral basis," he explained.

"Our position is clear, we will carry out our duties. We will not comment on other people's comments," he said.

In addition, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will explore related developments regarding the planned presence of Russia and President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit in Bali at the end of October. This is related to the statement of US President Joe Biden.

President Biden said Ukraine should be allowed to attend the G20 summit in Bali, if Indonesia as the G20 Presidency and other countries do not agree to the elimination of Russia. Related to this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia will explore the developments that occur.

"This development will be investigated first," said the Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah, when confirmed by VOI, Friday, March 25.

To note, the G20 member countries include, the US, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, China, Canada, the European Union, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, and the UK.