ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is intensifying efforts to expand its industrial footprint across Eurasia after being named the official partner country for INNOPROM 2026, Russia’s flagship industrial exhibition, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy seeks new export markets, fresh investment, and deeper manufacturing cooperation amid shifting global trade dynamics.
The exhibition, scheduled for July 6–9 in Ekaterinburg, will place Indonesia at the center of one of Eurasia’s most influential industrial forums, providing a platform to showcase its manufacturing ambitions and strengthen economic ties with Russia and member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Indonesia plans to send a delegation of around 50 companies representing strategic sectors including food and beverages, machinery, electronics, furniture, digital industries, green energy, and export-oriented manufacturing.
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the designation as INNOPROM’s partner country reflects growing confidence in Indonesia’s industrial capabilities and offers an opportunity to elevate bilateral cooperation with Russia.
“This trust represents an important momentum for Indonesia to expand industrial cooperation and build partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for both countries,” Agus said following talks with Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov and Russian Trade Representative Alexander Masaltsev in Jakarta.
As the official partner country, Indonesia will operate a national pavilion covering more than 1,500 square meters, making it one of the largest national showcases at the event. Under the theme “Navigating Industrial Futures,” the pavilion will highlight Indonesia’s strengths in agro-processing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, consumer goods manufacturing, advanced engineering, industrial estates, and investment opportunities.
Beyond product exhibitions, Indonesia will host business forums, investment meetings, panel discussions, and matchmaking sessions covering sectors such as palm oil, petrochemicals, shipbuilding, aluminum, industrial estates, and advanced manufacturing.
The initiative comes as economic relations between Jakarta and Moscow continue to strengthen. Bilateral trade reached approximately US$1.88 billion in 2025, while Russian investment in Indonesia totaled US$262.8 million, according to government data.
Relations have gained momentum following a series of high-level meetings between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin. After agreeing on several strategic economic initiatives in late 2025, the two leaders met again at the Kremlin in April 2026 to advance cooperation in energy, investment, technology, downstream processing, and industrial development.
The strengthening partnership was further reinforced through the signing of the Indonesia–Eurasian Economic Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EAEU CEPA), which is expected to improve market access for Indonesian products throughout the Eurasian bloc and deepen industrial and investment cooperation.
Officials from both countries are also preparing a new Memorandum of Understanding on industrial cooperation that would serve as an umbrella framework for future collaborative programs. Indonesia and Russia have additionally agreed to accelerate the implementation of agreements signed in December 2025 covering shipbuilding cooperation and scientific studies related to the safe use of chrysotile asbestos.
Several industrial projects are already emerging from the expanding relationship. State-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia has signed a Letter of Intent with Russian company Rosato to explore cooperation on floating nuclear power plants, while fertilizer producer Pupuk Indonesia is discussing potential collaboration with Russia’s Uralchem.
Indonesia currently ranks 13th globally in Manufacturing Value Added (MVA) and remains the largest manufacturing economy in Southeast Asia. Officials see INNOPROM 2026 as an opportunity not only to attract investment and technology transfer, but also to position Indonesia as a key industrial partner for Russia and the wider Eurasian region.
“We are not coming to Ekaterinburg simply to introduce ourselves,” said Tri Supondy, Director General for Industrial Resilience, Regional Development and International Industrial Access at the Ministry of Industry.
“With strong bilateral foundations already in place, Indonesia views INNOPROM 2026 as the starting point for long-term industrial cooperation with Eurasian partners.”
By becoming INNOPROM’s official partner country, Indonesia follows the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, both of which previously held the role, underscoring Jakarta’s growing ambition to become a major manufacturing and industrial hub linking Southeast Asia with emerging markets across Eurasia. (AT Network)
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