Prabowo and Putin Reaffirm Strengthening Indonesia–Russia Ties in St. Petersburg Meeting
Saint Petersburg, The Gulf Observer: President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the deepening bilateral relations between their countries during a high-level meeting held Thursday at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.
During the cordial talks, President Prabowo extended his appreciation to President Putin for Russia’s strong support in expediting Indonesia’s full membership in the BRICS group of emerging economies, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and a number of newly joined nations.
“I am very grateful for Russia’s support in securing Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS in a very short time,” President Prabowo stated.
He also highlighted the progress made in bilateral cooperation since his inauguration in October 2024, noting the active exchange of high-level visits. “Our relationship continues to grow. Senior Russian officials have visited Indonesia, and I’ve also met Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov this year,” he added.
President Putin warmly welcomed President Prabowo and voiced his optimism about broadening cooperation across various strategic sectors, particularly defense and space exploration.
“We have many opportunities and great potential for cooperation,” President Putin remarked, expressing hope that Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS would enhance the bloc’s relevance and contributions to global economic dynamics.
The leaders began the engagement with a private one-on-one conversation, followed by a broader bilateral meeting joined by high-ranking officials from both sides.
President Prabowo was accompanied by a comprehensive Indonesian delegation, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan.
Other notable members of the delegation included Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri.
To conclude the visit, President Putin hosted a luncheon in honor of President Prabowo and his delegation, underscoring the spirit of friendship and mutual respect that continues to define Indonesia–Russia relations.
