Sugiono Reveals Indonesia's Readiness to Send Personnel for Russia's Cosmonaut Programme

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Foreign Minister Sugiono discussed the programme to send Indonesia’s best individuals to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut programme. This was revealed during the Press Conference on Priority Programme Updates at the Bina Graha Building, Presidential Palace Complex, on Wednesday (22/4/2026).

Sugiono detailed several cooperation discussions conducted by President Prabowo Subianto with Russian President Vladimir Putin some time ago. One of the topics covered was the cosmonaut programme.

“Another matter discussed was cooperation in the fields of science and technology, as well as space. The President also conveyed the possibility for Indonesia to send selected and best individuals to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut programme,” Sugiono stated.

Sugiono noted that Russia is one of the countries with strengths in technology, enabling it to send crew and equipment into orbit.

“Therefore, the President yesterday explored the possibility of sending Indonesians to undergo that cosmonaut training programme,” he added.

On that occasion, Sugiono also mentioned that the meeting between the two heads of state discussed cooperation in the agricultural sector. According to him, the impact of the war in the Middle East has disrupted fertiliser supplies.

“There is a fertiliser shortage caused by logistical bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz, which is particularly felt at times like now, when several countries are entering the planting season,” he explained.

However, he stated that this limited availability of fertiliser has not yet impacted Indonesia.

“Well, going back to what was mentioned earlier, there is a global fertiliser limitation, so the President also discussed this with President Putin during their meeting,” he said.