Indonesia seeks stronger Russia ties as Prabowo lands in Moscow
In a statement cited in Jakarta, the Presidential Secretariat noted the state visit as a testament to Indonesia’s staunch commitment to engaging with Russia in stronger strategic cooperation.
Upon descending the air stairs, President Prabowo was welcomed by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, Director of the State Protocol Department of Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Igor Bogdashev, Indonesian Ambassador Jose Tavares, and Indonesian Defense Attaché Air Vice-Marshal Budi Susilo.
The president’s Moscow agenda centers on a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strategic move to bolster and expand bilateral cooperation across various fields, including the energy sector and other areas of key importance.
Indonesia aims to make the most of the visit to demonstrate its commitment to exercising active diplomacy in an effort to foster mutually beneficial partnerships with various countries, the secretariat stated.
The government, it added, views Russia as a crucial partner with which Indonesia can make greater contributions to safeguarding global stability and stimulating economic growth while serving national interests through international engagements.
President Prabowo departed for the Russian capital from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Sunday night (April 12). Joining him were Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
A day earlier, Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the head of state was scheduled to meet with President Putin in Moscow to exchange views on recent geopolitical dynamics and ensuing global concerns on energy security.
Prabowo first hinted at his return visit to Russia in a speech before 800 senior officials at the Government Work Meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (April 8). He said he would soon make another overseas trip to secure an oil supply for Indonesia.
He conveyed the plan while rejecting suggestions that he frequently traveled abroad for ceremonial or leisure purposes, stressing that he must “visit here and there to secure oil” amid disrupted global distribution caused by restricted shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz.
The president affirmed that souring geopolitics had prompted the government to proactively foster communication and cooperation with foreign partners to keep the economy stable, which he believes largely depends on energy.
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Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra