RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto plans to send selected Indonesian citizens to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut program, officials said, as part of a broader effort to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation.

“Other matters discussed also concerned cooperation in science and technology, including space. The president mentioned the possibility of Indonesia sending top individuals to participate in the program,” Foreign Minister Sugiono said in a press statement at the Bina Graha Building in the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Minister Sugiono said sending participants to the program would be a strategic step to enhance Indonesia’s high-tech competencies. The initiative is expected to bolster national capabilities in science and space exploration.

In addition to space cooperation, the meeting between the two leaders underscored the increasingly close bilateral relationship, which is seen as crucial amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

Earlier, President Prabowo conveyed greetings to the Russian government and people on Cosmonautics Day, a gesture viewed as symbolic of the close ties between the two countries.

“If I’m not mistaken, yesterday, April 12, was Cosmonautics Day for Russia. It has a huge impact on the world,” President Prabowo said during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Monday, April 13, 2026.

He added that Russia’s space development has also influenced Indonesia. “Many Indonesians have children named Gagarin and Yuri,” he said.

Cosmonautics Day, celebrated on April 12, commemorates the first human spaceflight by Russian pioneer Yuri Gagarin.

The government considers this collaboration consistent with Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy, reaffirming its commitment to fostering friendly relations with countries across strategic fields. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)