President Jokowi, G-20 And Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine

Debris is scattered around a pothole in a road, where several houses were damaged by an explosion, following an air strike in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, Saturday (5/3/2022). (Source: ANTARA FOTO/Kyiv Oblast Police/Handout via REUTERS/WSJ/cfo)

JAKARTA - The majority of countries in the world condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Even some sanctions were imposed. Expel Russia from membership of the European Union, stop oil imports, spotify closing its offices in Russia and various other economic sanctions. Not left behind in the world of sports. Russian President Vladimir Putin was removed from the Honorary President of International Judo. Roman Abramovich had to sell Chelsea football club.

The world is divided. NATO, the United States and the European Union condemned Russia. Belarus and Czechia support Russia. While China does not show a position against. China, a country with a huge population and economy, abstained and refused to use the word "invasion" that NATO and its allies use to describe Russia's attack on Ukraine. China, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as revealed in various media, encourages the United States, NATO and the European Union to have an equal dialogue.

So far, the negotiations have not reached a consensus. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have yet to reach an agreement. Russia still has nuclear weapons on hand. NATO sends troops. Victims from both sides continued to fall.

The direct impact of the invasion was world oil prices soared. In the country, the price of wheat also has the potential to rise. Understandably, Ukraine is one of the 5 largest wheat exporting countries in the world. Even 30 percent of Indonesia's wheat supply is imported from Ukraine.

In the midst of global economic conditions that have not improved due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war is likely to make it difficult for the world economy to recover quickly. A number of economists in the country also believe that the impact of the war will disrupt national economic stability.

President Jokowi himself has issued several statements regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On his official twitter account, President Jokowi asked for the war to stop. War afflicts mankind, and endangers the world, the president said on his Twitter account.

President Jokowi as Chair of the G20 should be able to play a major role in reconciling the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As chairman of the G20, of which Russia is a member, President Jokowi can at least be a facilitator. Moreover, traces of relations between Russia (Soviet Union) and Indonesia have existed for decades. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia is the “sister city” of Moscow, the capital of Russia. Last year, at Taman Mataram, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, a statue of Soviet Union cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin was unveiled, in 1961. The statue by Russian artist AD Leonov marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia.

Or if you want to go backwards, there are many traces of Indonesia-Russia (Soviet Union) relations. In Menteng Raya, Central Jakarta, there is a Farmer's Monument or Statue of a Hero. Monument by famous Russian sculptors Matvey Manizer and Otto Manizer, a gift from the Soviet Union government which was inaugurated by President Sukarno in 1963.

Not only that, the Friendship General Hospital (RSUP) in East Jakarta was built in cooperation between the Indonesian government and the Soviet Union. It was inaugurated in 1963 to coincide with the 46th anniversary of the October Revolution of 1917.

Of course, the Bung Karno Main Stadium cannot be forgotten. The idea of the GBK Main Stadium arose when President Sukarno visited Moscow and was carried out thanks to financial support and assistance from Soviet engineers and architects collaborating with Indonesian architects.

With a long history of friendly relations, President Jokowi can take on a bigger role than an appeal. Moreover, President Jokowi in his capacity as Chair of the G20, a group consisting of 19 countries in the world, including Russia plus the European Union, certainly has a strategic position. He is expected to use his influence in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The momentum as Chair of the G20 and Indonesia's position as the host or the G20 Presidency which will be held in Bali in November 2022 must be utilized to take strategic steps to stop the Russo-Ukrainian war.

If that step is taken, it is not impossible that the name of Indonesia will smell good. Personally, he also raised Jokowi's name as a world figure and answered all the criticism he received from the opposition.

This role also carries out the constitutional mandate. The mandate of the 1945 Constitution in which Indonesia adheres to a free and active policy and maintains world peace. As stated in the preamble of the 4th paragraph of the 1945 Constitution; participate in carrying out world order based on freedom, eternal peace and social justice.

Because the Russian invasion of Ukraine must be suppressed. Don't let it escalate into World War III. With Russia's nuclear power, as well as NATO, the United States and the European Union, it seems that the concerns of the world community are not excessive.