Prabowo Makes Putin Smile: Many Indonesians Named "Yuri" or "Gagarin"

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto once made Russian President Vladimir Putin smile during their meeting at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, on Monday (13/4/2026). The warm moment occurred when Prabowo extended Cosmonaut Day greetings to Putin. It was on 12 April 1961 that Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space. “I know that a few days ago, if I’m not mistaken, just yesterday, 12 April, Cosmonaut Day for Russia also has a great influence in the world,” said Prabowo, chuckling. “Many Indonesians name their children Gagarin, Yuri, many,” he continued. He expressed appreciation for Prabowo’s visit and considered his arrival to hold great significance.