Prabowo Plans to Send Indonesian Citizens to Participate in Russian Cosmonaut Programme

President Prabowo Subianto plans to send Indonesian citizens (WNI) to Russia to participate in the cosmonaut programme. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that this is part of exploratory cooperation with Russia in the space sector.

The plan stems from Prabowo’s visit to Moscow, Russia, to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin last week. Sugiono explained that Presidents Prabowo and Putin discussed cooperation in various fields, from agriculture and energy to science.

Other matters discussed also included cooperation in science and technology, as well as space. President Prabowo also conveyed the possibility of Indonesia sending selected and best individuals to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut programme,” said Sugiono at the Bina Graha Building, in the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

According to Sugiono, sending crews or equipment to outer space is a parameter that a country has superiority in the technology sector. “Therefore, the President also conveyed that he will explore the possibility of sending Indonesian individuals to undergo cosmonaut training programmes,” said this Gerindra Party General Secretary.

Sugiono emphasised that the cooperation discussions with Russia are not limited to the space sector, but also cover various other sectors. “The discussions and talks naturally also encompass various fields because Russia is Indonesia’s strategic partner whose strategic partnership status was elevated in 2025,” said Sugiono.

On 13 April 2026, President Prabowo visited the Kremlin Palace in Moscow to meet Putin. Prabowo consulted with Putin regarding the global geopolitical situation. In that meeting, the two leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including space, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, and trade.