Prabowo Candid Before Putin and Leaders, Urging Implementation of Free Trade
Vladivostok, CNBC Indonesia - President Prabowo Subimanto has openly requested that member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) promptly complete their internal processes so that the Indonesia-EAEU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can take effect immediately.
This was stated by Prabowo at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on 3 September 2026. The forum was attended by various heads of state and officials, including Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, Myanmar Vice President Nyo Saw, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Indonesia wants this agreement to take effect and be utilised as soon as the exchange of notifications allows,” said Prabowo during his speech.
“I respectfully request each EAEU member state to complete their respective internal procedures so that we can benefit from this agreement as soon as possible,” he continued.
According to Prabowo, the Indonesia-EAEU FTA is significant as part of the trade architecture for South-South nations. The agreement will provide Indonesian producers with access to the five member markets of the EAEU. Conversely, Eurasian producers will gain access to the Indonesian market, which boasts 290 million consumers.
He also noted that Indonesian business delegations are present at the forum to prepare for various trade requirements.
“The Indonesian business delegation is here today to finalise initial shipments, establish buyers, ensure logistics, and settle payment arrangements in accordance with the provisions so that we can utilise this FTA,” he said.
“I want goods, routes, and contracts to be ready by the time the tariff schedules come into effect,” he added.
On this occasion, Prabowo also mentioned that the Indonesia-EAEU free trade agreement was previously signed in St. Petersburg on 21 December 2025. The agreement involves Indonesia, the EAEU, its five member states—Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia—as well as the Eurasian Economic Commission.
Through this agreement, Indonesia and the EAEU are committed to eliminating or reducing import duties on 11,882 tariff lines, representing more than 90% of all traded goods. The Chairman of the Gerindra Party stated that Indonesia has completed the parliamentary approval process for the FTA. In July 2026, Prabowo also signed a Presidential Regulation regarding the ratification of the agreement.
Future Cooperation
According to Prabowo, future cooperation between Indonesia and Russia can extend far beyond mere goods trade. In the energy sector, Prabowo stated that Indonesia welcomes Russian cooperation that can enhance productivity in oil and gas exploration, production, and processing.
“We are seeking knowledge and investment in renewable energy, smart grids, and nuclear power for peaceful purposes, including modular and full-scale technologies, with the highest safety standards and international protection,” he said.
Regarding food security, Prabowo noted that Indonesia sees opportunities to collaborate with Russia in agricultural technology, superior seeds, livestock breeding, agricultural mechanisation, food processing, and joint fertiliser production.
In terms of industrialisation, he continued, both nations should work together to create added value. Indonesia welcomes partnerships in downstream processing and the production of everyday goods, such as food, household products, clothing, furniture, medicines, and electronics.
“We also welcome Russia-Indonesia cooperation in the fields of space, higher education, and transport,” said Prabowo.
Furthermore, he conveyed a message to the Russian business community to come to Indonesia, collaborate, and produce.
“Let us build industries together, let us create value together. And from Indonesia, let us reach the wider ASEAN market and the Indo-Pacific region together,” said Prabowo.