Putin Calls Indonesia Russia’s Key Partner in Asia-Pacific

RRI.CO.ID, Vladivostok - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a warm, intensive bilateral meeting in Vladivostok on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during the Eastern Economic Forum.

President Putin expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s presence at the EEF and his willingness to serve as an honored guest at the event. In particular, President Putin said Indonesia is a key partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region.

“I would like to thank Your Excellency, Mr. President, for your willingness to visit Vladivostok and participate in the Eastern Economic Forum as the main guest of honor. Indonesia is the most key partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region,” President Putin said, greeted by a warm smile from President Prabowo and the delegation.

President Putin noted that bilateral ties between Russia and Indonesia have followed a positive trajectory since their establishment on February 3, 1950, with trade showing particularly strong growth.

“Last year, trade volume increased by 12 percent. The joint Russia-Indonesia commission on economic, trade and technical cooperation continues to work,” President Putin added.

The Russian president also said the two countries have other potential areas that could be developed for cooperation. “We are paying attention to the development of bilateral cooperation in agriculture, shipbuilding, digital technology and energy, particularly nuclear energy,” he said.

“We have signed a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union,” he added.

President Putin affirmed that Indonesia is one of Russia’s most trusted friends within the ASEAN framework. He said the two countries also cooperate on various international platforms, including the United Nations.

“Today’s meeting is the second meeting this year, and our personal contacts reflect the strategic nature of bilateral relations between Russia and Indonesia. I am confident that today’s meeting will give a new impetus to relations between our two countries,” President Putin said, concluding his remarks at the opening of the meeting. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)