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Since 2006, relations between Russia and Indonesia have grown stronger and expanded to embrace new themes. Interreligious dialog, though second in relation to the usual topics of strategic or diplomatic cooperation, has become increasingly visible as a line of cooperation valued by the leaders of these two nations — to the point that Vladimir Putin has presented it as a priority. This aspect of the bilateral relation fits into a broader trend towards the confessionalization of international relations and politicization of interreligious exchanges. The Russia-Indonesia example shows, however, that these interreligious exchanges lie on a persistent ambiguity about their purpose. While the leaders of the two nations share a concern for regulating domestic religious practices by endorsing religious leaders who favour the primacy of politics and a consolidation of the regime, their prerequisites for interreligious dialogue are distinctly different. Both narratives convey a worldview revolving around the idea of civilization- and religion-based blocks, but Indonesia wants to play the role of a bridge-builder whereas Russia favours a co-management of religious diversity.