CSIS: Consistency Is Important When Indonesia Takes The Role Of Bridge Communication Between Russia And Ukraine

President Jokowi with President Putin at the Kremlin, Moscow. (Source: Kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - International relations observer Andrew Mantong from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said consistency is important if Indonesia wants to play a role in bridging communication between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Andrew, this peacekeeping mission is not just once, but needs to be continuous.

"The point is not only to bridge communication between Russia and Ukraine, but also to bridge communication with other countries, especially the G7 countries," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, July 1.

He mentioned that several European Union countries that are members of the G7, such as Germany, France, Britain, and Italy, actually have an important role so they must open up communication between them.

The G20 Forum itself can also be a kind of forum that will have the opportunity to have a side event agenda or a kind of informal meeting for the participating parties to discuss peace between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Andrew, every official international forum such as the G20 has side events to discuss certain agendas. This is an opportunity that can be exploited.

However, to become a communicator or a party that bridges communication between warring parties, has its own challenges.

"The challenge for now is the character of Russian President Vladimir Putin, then it is also necessary to identify which figures in Russia are considered important by President Putin so that his perception can change," said Andrew.

Separately, Professor of International Law at the University of Indonesia, Prof. Hikmahanto Juwana positively views Indonesia's offer to bridge communication between Russia and Ukraine.

However, this will be difficult to realize because of the position of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) himself who still serves as head of state and government.

"Of course, President Jokowi cannot do this intensely," said Hikmahanto.

Possibly, according to him, President Jokowi could come up with a name from Indonesia that could be a communicator between Russia and Ukraine.

In addition, it is not yet known whether Russia and Ukraine are willing to agree with Indonesia as a party to bridge communications.