Jakarta, INTI - Russia has proposed several opportunities for technological cooperation with Indonesia, such as civil-use drones, autonomous communication systems for emergencies, and waste processing technology.
These prospects were discussed during a meeting between the Ministry of Industry and Russian Federation Senator Ilyas Umakhanov in Jakarta, covering trade, investment, technology transfer, and domestic industrial development.
Still in the Discussion Phase
One of the technologies offered is drones for civil use; however, the specific types and applications of these drones in Indonesia have not yet been determined. Russia also proposed underwater robotics technology, which is considered highly relevant given Indonesia's status as an archipelagic nation. There is potential to develop this technology together with national industry players, although the project structure and implementation details remain under discussion.
Meanwhile, cooperation on autonomous communication systems designed for emergencies is viewed as a potential option to strengthen national technological capabilities, provided its implementation is tailored to Indonesia's specific needs.
As for waste processing technology, it is assessed as capable of converting waste into resources usable in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Ilyas Umakhanov stated that these technologies are open to development and localization through partnerships with industrial counterparts in Indonesia.
"We see numerous opportunities to develop technological cooperation with Indonesia. Russia possesses technologies such as civil-use drones, underwater robotics suited to Indonesia's archipelagic nature, autonomous communication systems for emergencies, and waste processing technology that can generate resources beneficial to agriculture and livestock farming," said Ilyas in an official statement on August 19, 2026.
Other Sectors that will Be Explored
In addition to the four technologies, the cooperation discussions also encompassed technologies related to telecommunications equipment, agrochemicals, and industrial automation. Future development efforts will take into account specific needs and the compatibility of these technologies with the conditions of the national industry.
Tri Supondy, Director General of Industrial Resilience, Regional and International Access (KPAII) at the Ministry of Industry, stated that cooperation between Indonesia and Russia should be directed toward sectors capable of generating value-added for the domestic industry. He noted that such benefits could be realized through investment, technology transfer, or partnerships between companies from both nations.
"Cooperation between Indonesia and Russia needs to be focused on initiatives that yield tangible benefits for the industry, whether through investment, technology transfer, or partnerships linking companies from both countries," Tri said.
Currently, the various technologies offered by Russia remain in the exploratory stage and have not yet led to agreements on specific project implementations. The Indonesian government will assess the suitability of each technology regarding national industrial needs, including opportunities for development through partnerships and domestic localization.
With this approach, Indonesia-Russia technology cooperation aims not merely to import Russian products, but also to enhance production capacity, master technology, strengthen the national industry, and create domestic value-added.
Conclusion
Russia is exploring technological cooperation with Indonesia across several sectors, including civil drones, underwater robotics, autonomous emergency communication systems, and waste processing technology. These discussions with the Ministry of Industry encompass not only trade but also investment, technology transfer, and domestic industrial development and localization. Currently, these opportunities remain in the exploratory stage rather than constituting finalized project agreements.
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