❗️Great news for all participants of the MGIMO International School Olympiad for Foreign Citizens: the final round of the Olympiad will take place in March.

🗓️ Exact dates will be announced later: stay tuned for updates on the Olympiad’s website and on our MGIMO International social media pages.

In the meantime, it’s the perfect time to focus on preparation: deepen your knowledge, hone your skills, and approach the finals fully equipped!

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Continuing the visit to Southeast Asia, the MGIMO team is currently in Indonesia – a country that, like Russia, places great importance on a multi-vector foreign policy and independence on the global stage. Today, 11 students from Indonesia are studying at MGIMO. Specially for #MGIMOinside, we spoke with one of them – Raisya Rahmawati, a second-year master’s student in the program "Political Economy of the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership."

▪️Why did you decide to study in Russia rather than in other countries?

👔I believe there are many commonalities between Indonesia and Russia, such as ethnic diversity and a strong respect for traditional values. These similarities initially motivated me to pursue Russian Studies at Universitas Indonesia during my bachelor’s degree. Through this program, I learned many fascinating aspects beyond culture, including politics and language and decided to continue this path.👔

▪️To what extent have your expectations aligned with the reality of studying at MGIMO?

👔My expectations have been largely fulfilled, and in many ways, exceeded. At MGIMO, I am able to continue learning Russian while also sharing my own culture, especially through MGIMO’s ASEAN Centre. Moreover, I am studying subjects closely related to my bachelor’s background in Russian Studies, now combined with my strong interest in ASEAN affairs. Although the education process here is quite different from that in Indonesia, this difference has become one of the most valuable and enriching parts of my academic experience.👔

▪️What are your impressions of life in Moscow?

👔I am truly grateful to myself for having the courage to live far from home, because the experience has been incredibly worthwhile. Moscow offers so many conveniences, warm and welcoming people, and a unique atmosphere that makes me want to stay longer. I remember many of my professors at Universitas Indonesia sharing stories about their time studying in Moscow, some even naming their children with Russian-inspired names. Now that I am here, I fully understand why life in Russia leaves such a lasting impression.👔

▪️What are your career aspirations after MGIMO?

👔I believe that every MGIMO alumni brings unique interests and expertise, and this diversity is precisely what strengthens international cooperation. In my case, studying at MGIMO has significantly shaped my research interests, particularly in cooperation within BRICS and in nuclear energy, an area in which Russia is highly advanced. I would like to continue contributing in strengthening long-term bilateral relations through research and people-to-people diplomacy.👔

We thank Raisya for an open and substantive dialogue and sincerely wish her every success in implementing her plans for the benefit of cooperation between Russia, Indonesia, and ASEAN!

Learn more about MGIMO on our website.

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Concluding the MGIMO delegation's visit to Jakarta, we are sharing an interview with another Indonesian student. For #MGIMOinside, Fazyeh Hamid, a first-year master's student in the "Political Economy of the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership" program, reflects on the specifics and potential for developing Russian-Indonesian relations.

🔎 What was the decisive factor in choosing to study in Russia rather than in other countries?
➖”Russia has a strong reputation in higher education. I deeply admire its community-centered educational philosophy, where learning is seen as part of nation-building. MGIMO, in particular, is known for producing high-level graduates with strong discipline. I wanted an environment that challenges me intellectually while shaping both competence and character, and that is exactly what MGIMO offers.”

🔎 How has your perception of Indonesia changed after studying in Russia?
➖”Studying at MGIMO has deepened my appreciation for Indonesia’s value-based diplomatic tradition and its potential to engage confidently with powers like Russia in a multipolar world. The experience received here has revealed how our countries complement each other in building trust and promoting a fair and predictable international environment.”

🔎 How would you assess the current state of Russia-Indonesia relations and their future prospects?
➖"Russia–Indonesia relations are stable and respectful. The foundation is strong, but the cooperation still has large untapped potential. Energy, education, technology, and maritime interconnectivity are key areas for expansion. The future depends on how actively both sides institutionalize their partnership."

🔎 What role can MGIMO graduates play in developing relations between our countries?
➖"MGIMO graduates become cultural and intellectual translators between Russia and Indonesia, not just diplomats. Their strength lies in shaping frameworks, not just agreements, so cooperation becomes sustainable. My personal goal is to contribute to the institutionalization of broader strategic cooperation between both sides, promoting long-term and mutually beneficial partnership."

➡️Conversation with Fazeh once again illustrates the immense value that international students bring to our alma mater. Their unique perspectives, ambitions, and drive to serve as "bridges" between cultures are key resources for advancing international cooperation. We are proud that MGIMO serves as a platform where the leaders of tomorrow are already being shaped.

Learn more about MGIMO on our website.

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)