Indonesian President-Elect Backs Russian Consulate in Bali, Eyes Stronger Ties

Indonesian President-Elect Backs Russian Consulate in Bali, Eyes Stronger Ties

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: In a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Indonesian President-elect and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto expressed strong support for Russia’s plan to open a consulate general in Bali. The meeting, held on Wednesday, highlighted the potential for strengthened bilateral relations and increased tourism cooperation between Indonesia and Russia.

“We fully support this plan,” Prabowo told Putin, as foreign TV stations broadcast the event live from the Kremlin. The Russian government had announced plans on July 20 to establish a consulate general in Denpasar, Bali.

During their 30-minute discussion, Prabowo also advocated for the launch of more direct flights from Moscow to Denpasar and explored opportunities for collaboration in the development of nuclear power generator technology. “I have discussed with several institutions in Russia regarding the nuclear energy sector,” Prabowo stated. “We might have the possibility to work together on modular reactors and main reactors.”

Nuclear reactors are essential components of nuclear power plants, and Russia is a leading country in utilizing nuclear power for electricity generation.

Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Russia remains steadfast amid the government transition. He was accompanied by his aide Teddy Indra Wijaya during the Kremlin meeting, while Putin was joined by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Presidential Advisor for Foreign Affairs, Yury Ushakov.

This meeting marks Prabowo’s fourth encounter with a world leader during his recent series of foreign visits. Prior to his visit to Russia, Prabowo met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.