President Prabowo Subianto met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, 19 June 2025, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Russia. The meeting marked a significant step forward in Indonesia-Russia bilateral relations, with both leaders agreeing to strengthen collaboration in several strategic sectors.
Following the meeting, President Putin announced Russia’s openness to working with Indonesia in the nuclear field for peaceful purposes.
“We are open to cooperation with Indonesian partners in the nuclear field. We also wish to realise nuclear projects in the peaceful field, including in the fields of health, agriculture, and staff training,” Putin stated during a press conference, as broadcast via the Presidential Secretariat’s official YouTube channel.
Beyond nuclear cooperation, Russia expressed interest in broader collaboration in advanced technology. “We are ready to expand cooperation in the field of high technologies, including the peaceful exploration of outer space, smart cities, and artificial intelligence,” Putin said.
President Prabowo welcomed Russia’s support, emphasising the significance of expanding air transportation between the two countries.
@antaramegapolitan Putin-Prabowo Sepakat Kerja Sama Nuklir dan Teknologi. Presiden Rusia Vladimir Putin menyatakan Rusia siap bekerja sama dengan Indonesia di bidang nuklir untuk tujuan damai serta teknologi canggih seperti luar angkasa, smart city, dan kecerdasan buatan. “Kami terbuka untuk kerja sama dengan mitra Indonesia di bidang nuklir,” kata Putin saat bertemu Presiden Prabowo di Saint Petersburg, 19 Juni 2025. Prabowo menyambut baik kerja sama ini dan menekankan hubungan erat kedua negara sejak era Uni Soviet. “Sampai hari ini rakyat Indonesia tak lupa dengan bantuan dari Rusia,” ujarnya. Prabowo juga hadir sebagai tamu kehormatan di St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025. #kunjunganputin #kesepakatannuklir #kerjasamanuklir #kerjasamateknologi #presidenrusia #VladimirPutin #kerjasamarusia #bidangnuklir #bantuanrusia #tamukehormatan #SPIEF2025 ♬ suara asli – ANTARA MEGAPOLITAN
Currently, direct flights from Moscow to Bali operate three to four times weekly. “We open opportunities if you want to increase flights not only to Bali but to other cities in Indonesia,” he stated, underlining the potential for expanded tourism and business connectivity.
The meeting also resulted in discussions on increasing the number of Indonesian students studying in Russia. “We are committed to sending more students to Russia. Education is a long-term investment and important for fostering stronger generational ties,” Prabowo said.
Putin noted that for over six years, Russia has actively promoted cultural exchange through the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Jakarta, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and art performances.
He described Indonesia as a “key partner of the Russian Federation in the Asia Pacific region,” and acknowledged the historical strength of bilateral ties that date back 75 years.
Bilateral Relations Mark 75 Years with Strategic Agreements
This year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia. Prabowo reflected on the historic relationship and Russia’s longstanding role in supporting Indonesia’s development. “The Soviet Union helped us when we were very poor. The Indonesian people have not forgotten Russia’s great service,” he remarked.
During the bilateral talks, both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, and energy. One key development is Russia’s offer to expand wheat exports to Indonesia, while increasing imports of Indonesian agricultural products.
Additionally, Putin confirmed the ongoing collaboration between Russia’s Zarubezhneft and Indonesia’s Pertamina in the development of an oil refinery and petrochemical complex in East Java.
“We are willing to increase oil and liquefied natural gas supplies to the Indonesian market,” Putin added, reinforcing Russia’s interest in contributing to Indonesia’s energy sector.
Putin also confirmed a 40 percent increase in trade between the two countries during the first four months of 2025, following a total trade volume of USD 4.3 billion in 2024.
President Prabowo expressed appreciation for Russia’s support of Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS.
He also highlighted joint efforts to strengthen cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), aiming to deepen economic integration in the region. “I am happy for the agreements in BRICS and EAEU. This is proof of the trust and strategic partnership between the two countries,” he stated.
In terms of global affairs, both leaders underscored a mutual commitment to sovereignty and peaceful diplomacy.
“We respect the sovereignty of every country, we want to solve all problems peacefully, and we always want to prioritise collaboration over conflict,” Prabowo said.
Echoing this sentiment, Putin concluded, “United in the peaceful development of the Asia-Pacific region, we coordinate at the UN and other platforms.”
