Does the Russia-Ukraine conflict need to be discussed at the G20?

Indonesia's desire for the G20 meeting to focus on discussing economic issues and avoiding discussing the Russia-Ukraine conflict is fully supported by China.

However, this is actually not the right move.

Several Indonesian economists have warned of the importance of discussing the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the international economy at the G20 event later. The reason is, the conflict also disrupts the global economic order. Efforts to avoid discussing the conflict and its effects are no longer an option that can be chosen by Indonesia. qqcitybet

Instead of bowing to pressure from Western countries or avoiding talks related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict at the G20 meeting, Indonesia can actually take this momentum to play a role in the world peace process. You do this by volunteering to act as a mediator between the parties involved in the conflict.

The following are the main reasons why Indonesia can be a good mediator in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Indonesia's Impartial Position

Indonesia's foreign policy adheres to the 'free and active' principle. This means that Indonesia chooses not to be involved in competition and conflict between major countries.

In addition, Indonesia also chose not to join in alliances with big countries because involvement in alliances would require support or resistance to countries that are considered as common enemies of the alliance. This position must be taken even though Indonesia does not feel its interests are being threatened.

By referring to this free and active principle, the world can see that Indonesia is not merely subject to pressure from big powers. Indonesia's decision to keep inviting Russia further emphasizes the implementation of this principle.

The advantage is that Indonesia can take a strategic position as a middle power country that can be trusted by conflicting parties. This is because Indonesia's fundamental interest in the current conflict is the immediate de-escalation of the conflict and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected communities. It is important for Indonesia to be able to continue to maintain good relations with Ukraine and Russia.

Indeed, until now, Indonesia has not decided on Ukraine's participation in the G20 meeting. However, providing space for Ukraine and Russia to meet in this multilateral forum can be part of the reconciliation process between the two countries in conflict.

If the two countries agree to meet and continue peace negotiations during the G20 Summit, Indonesia can seek support from other G20 member countries who have the same position and interests so that the mediation process can be included on the agenda.

Indonesia's successful experience as a conflict mediator

Indonesia has a track record and experience as a mediator in resolving regional conflicts.

Lina Alexandra, senior researcher from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that in 1988-1991, Indonesia played an important role in resolving the armed conflict in Cambodia, as well as resolving the conflict between Vietnam and Cambodia.

In addition, according to Lina's notes, Indonesia has also succeeded in mediating conflicts between the Philippine government and the separatist Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) during the 1970-1990s. This was evident when the two conflicting parties agreed to negotiate and produce a peace treaty in 1996.

These experiences show Indonesia's capable capacity as a mediator in conflict resolution. This is what makes Indonesia a potential candidate as a mediator for the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Of course, Indonesia is not the only country that is eyeing this mediator position. Several other countries such as Turkey, China, and Israel have also shown their readiness as mediators to resolve the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.

However, as the host of the G20 event, Indonesia has held the golden ticket to become the main mediator.

That is why Indonesia should not see talks related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a threat to the continuity of the G20 meeting or a disruption to the discussion of the G20 economic agenda that previously wanted to be carried out. On the contrary, this should be seen as an opportunity to participate in facilitating peace negotiations between the two warring parties.