Jokowi Still Invites Russia To The G20 Summit Despite America's Opposition, Denny Siregar: Cool My President, No Fear

Jokowi and Biden at the Scottish COP26 Summit, Monday 1 November. (Doctor of the Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau)

JAKARTA - Social media activist Denny Siregar praised President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for still inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit meeting in Bali. He said Jokowi's move was bold.

Besides Putin, Indonesia also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"This is cool, my president... Not afraid", said Denny on his Twitter account, Friday, May 6.

Jokowi continues to invite Putin in the midst of criticism from the United States (US) and members of the G7. US President Joe Biden has spoken out against Russia's presence but welcomed Ukraine's presence.

Previously, Jokowi stated that Putin would attend the G20 summit in Bali in November. Jokowi obtained the plan for Putin's presence after the two communicated via telephone on Thursday, April 28, evening WIB.

"On this occasion, President Putin expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the G20 summit and he said he would attend", said Jokowi, quoted from the Presidential Secretariat Youtube, Friday, April 29.

Jokowi understands that the G20 Summit is a catalyst for the world economy. When talking about the world's economic recovery, he said, two big things are affecting at this time, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Therefore Jokowi also contacted Zelensky. He invited Ukraine to attend the upcoming G20 summit.

"I received an update on the development of the current situation in Ukraine. During the discussion, there was a discussion of aid from Indonesia. I emphasized that by the mandate of the Indonesian constitution and the principles of foreign policy, Indonesia prohibits the provision of weapons assistance to other countries", said Jokowi.

Jokowi stressed that Indonesia fully supports efforts to reconcile the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He stated that Indonesia was ready to be involved in the peace process between Russia and Ukraine.

"I re-emphasize the importance of ending the war immediately and I emphasize that a peaceful solution can continue to be put forward", he said.