Prabowo Discusses ASEAN Peace Dividend in Russia, Delivers Key Message

Vladivostok, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has addressed the current geopolitical conditions within the Southeast Asian region. He stated that regional stability is built upon a shared awareness among national leaders regarding larger-scale global issues.

Prabowo delivered these remarks during his speech at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on Thursday (3/9/2026). The event was attended by several leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Prabowo, Southeast Asia has previously faced conflicts, tensions, and deep-seated differences between nations. However, ASEAN leaders have recognised that issues such as poverty, limited healthcare and education services, inadequate infrastructure, job creation, and economic opportunities represent far greater challenges.

“Therefore, ASEAN chooses consultation over confrontation, and cooperation over division,” said Prabowo.

Furthermore, the former Minister of Defence noted that this choice has allowed the ASEAN region to reap what is known as a ‘peace dividend’ for nearly six decades. A peaceful and stable environment provides the necessary space for communities and the business sector to conduct economic activities and build for the future.

“Farmers can produce, factories can operate, ships can sail, businesses can invest, children can attend school, and families can plan for the future,” he remarked.

To this end, he invited Russia and all members of the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) to expand the benefits of this peace dividend through increased inter-regional cooperation. Notably, the Indonesia-EAEU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in St. Petersburg on 21 December 2025.

The agreement involves several nations, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and the Eurasian Economic Commission. Under this agreement, Indonesia and the EAEU are committed to eliminating or reducing import duties on 11,882 tariff lines, covering more than 90% of all traded goods.

“Indonesia has completed parliamentary approval for this FTA, and last July, I signed the Presidential Regulation regarding its ratification,” said Prabowo.