The debate over Indonesia's guest list reaches a fever pitch at the G20 with criticisms from the US China and Australia

The debate over Indonesia's guest list reaches a fever pitch at the G20, with criticisms from the US, China, and Australia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo

As the issue continues to divide both Western leaders and domestic observers, Indonesia says it will continue to listen to "all viewpoints and proposals."

According to former political adviser Dewi Fortuna Anwar, inviting Russia will be a test of Indonesia's 'open and active' foreign policy, but Jakarta may learn from Asean's involvement with Myanmar.

The debate over G20 host Indonesia's decision to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the annual summit later this year has reached a fever pitch, with Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden, calling for Russia's expulsion and China insisting on Moscow's status as a key member of the forum.

Indonesia has found itself on eggshells as the G20 chair this year, as the global economic and development conference risks being bogged down by geopolitical rivalry aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The majority of the West and its important Asian allies have denounced Moscow and levied penalties, while forum members China and India have not.

Indonesia has attempted to keep the conflict off the G20 agenda by supporting a UN resolution condemning the incursion.