Foreign Media Spotlight Prabowo's Upcoming Meeting with Putin in Russia

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Several foreign media outlets are spotlighting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia. Prabowo is reported to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday (13/4/2026). “Foreign Minister Sugiono said on Saturday that oil, which holds strategic importance for the Indonesian nation, will be on the agenda for discussions,” wrote the French media outlet AFP in an article titled “Indonesian president to meet Putin in Russia for oil talks”. “He will meet with President Putin and also discuss global geopolitics and, of course, the energy situation,” the site added, still quoting Sugiono. Previously, Prabowo also visited South Korea and Japan. In a speech last week, Prabowo mentioned undertaking those trips to secure oil. “Like many other countries, Indonesia is under pressure from rising global oil prices due to the war in the Middle East,” AFP added. “Southeast Asia’s largest economy, where fuel is heavily subsidised, is an oil producer but remains a net importer,” the site stated again. “Last month, Prabowo’s government announced fuel rationing and mandated a one-day-per-week work-from-home policy for civil servants to save energy supplies,” it said. “The government promises not to raise fuel prices in the near future.” Previously, Russia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, told reporters in March that his country is open to selling oil to Indonesia. Indonesia itself has joined the BRICS bloc comprising developing countries including Russia and China. “If Indonesia needs it, let us know and you will get it,” Tolchenov said as the two countries prepared for joint military exercises in Jakarta port. The Malaysian site Bernama also carried the same report. The media outlet quoted Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya on Sunday. “Describing the meeting between Prabowo and Putin as crucial, Teddy said the two leaders are expected to focus on energy security, continuing cooperation with the Russian government, and ensuring a stable energy supply, including oil supplies,” it wrote in an article titled “Prabowo Departs for Moscow for Talks with Putin amid Evolving Global Dynamics”. “He said the talks will also cover global geopolitical developments, where Indonesia is expected to convey its strategic position in maintaining global stability and peace.”