Prabowo and Putin Discuss Potential for Indonesian Citizens to Join Cosmonaut Training

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that President Prabowo Subianto, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin some time ago, also discussed the potential to send Indonesian citizens to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut training programme. During a press conference at the Presidential Staff Office in Jakarta on Wednesday, Sugiono explained that during the visit to Moscow, Russia, Putin and Prabowo discussed various potential areas of cooperation between the two countries and efforts to address the global situation, including conditions in the Middle East that affect energy conditions in several countries. “Other matters discussed also included cooperation in the fields of science and technology, and space. The President also expressed the possibility for Indonesia to send selected and best individuals to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut programme,” Sugiono said. He stated that this step is important because sending crew and special equipment to outer space orbit is one of the parameters of a country having technological superiority. “The discussions and talks also covered various fields because, as we know, Russia is Indonesia’s strategic partner whose strategic partnership status will be elevated in 2025,” he added. Several main issues discussed with President Prabowo and Putin included energy transitions, alternative energy such as biodiesel and bioethanol, as well as fertiliser needs arising from the situation in the Middle East. In that meeting, President Prabowo conveyed that with the government’s policies already issued regarding fertilisers, the issue does not impact Indonesia. Previously, Putin directly invited Prabowo to return to Russia to attend industry exhibitions in May and July 2026, one of which will be held in Kazan, Tatarstan.