RRI.CO.ID, Moscow – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Russian President, Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, on Monday, April 13, 2026. Putin highlighted that trade between the two countries had increased by 12%, while Prabowo emphasized Russia’s role in supporting Indonesia’s entry into BRICS.

President Prabowo met with President Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Monday, April 13. The meeting discussed a number of issues, including strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and Russia.

During the meeting, President Putin expressed appreciation for President Prabowo’s visit to Moscow. He highlighted the trade value between Indonesia and Russia since they signed the strategic partnership declaration in 2025, noting their 12 percent increase last year.

"This strategic partnership is evident, first and foremost, in the economic sphere. Last year, our trade turnover grew by 12%. At the beginning of this year, we saw a slight impediment in bilateral trade, but we have many ways to improve it," Putin said, as quoted from the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat.

Putin also stated that they discussed cooperation in energy, space, agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, and education. He added that Indonesia’s participation in the BRICS organization could open up new opportunities for cooperation.

"Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS, and this is another opportunity for cooperation, just like between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union," he said.

Indonesia officially joined BRICS in January 2025 as the tenth member, becoming the first Southeast Asian country in the organization. Meanwhile, the Eurasian Economic Union is a trade bloc whose members include post-Soviet states such as Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Russia itself.

Meanwhile, Prabowo expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome despite Putin’s busy schedule. He also thanked Russia for its support in various Indonesian needs, including assisting Indonesia's accession to BRICS.

"Furthermore, in several matters that are very important for Indonesia, President Putin has supported and provided backing for Indonesia’s needs. Almost all areas that we agreed upon a few months ago have seen rapid progress," Prabowo said.

"There are one or two things that we need to speed up; I will handle them personally. Especially in the monetary relations," he said.

During the meeting, Prabowo also consulted with Russia on how to address current geopolitical changes. He views that Russia has played a very positive role in addressing these "uncertain" geopolitical conditions.

"Therefore, we feel it is very important to consult on how we should face the situation ahead, and especially, if possible, to further strengthen our cooperation, particularly in the economic field," he said.