MOSCOW (Bloomberg): Russian President Vladimir Putin praised growing economic ties with Indonesia at Kremlin talks with President Prabowo Subianto, while noting a recent dip in trade.
"Last year, our trade turnover increased by 12.5%. At the beginning of this year, unfortunately, there was some adjustment,” Putin said at the start of the talks on Monday. "I hope that your visit will serve to ensure that we will find the necessary solution so that the situation remains stable and demonstrates growth.”
The visit to Russia is Prabowo’s third in less than a year, underscoring intensifying ties with Putin as Southeast Asia’s largest economy seeks to broaden its economic and strategic options.
The trip comes as Indonesia, like many countries, is seeking to shore up energy supply and other goods disrupted by conflict in the Middle East.
In December, the leaders discussed oil and gas cooperation, potential nuclear energy development, military training and defense ties, as well as agricultural trade, including wheat and fertilisers.
Last June, Prabowo skipped a Group of Seven gathering in Canada to meet with Putin and attend his flagship St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund last year also said it would join Prabowo’s fledgling sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, to launch an investment platform with as much as €2 billion ($2.3 billion) in capital.
Indonesia has become a full member of the BRICS grouping, which provides "another opportunity for cooperation,” Putin said.
-- ©2026 Bloomberg L.P.
