St. Petersburg — Indonesia and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through the signing of four cross-sector strategic cooperation agreements. The signings were witnessed directly by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg on Thursday (June 19), coinciding with the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The four areas of cooperation include higher education, cross-border transportation, digital communication, and strategic investment. In the education sector, university collaboration will support student exchange and academic development. In transportation, the two countries agreed to launch a Moscow–Bali flight route with a frequency of 3–4 times per week to enhance connectivity and tourism.
Another memorandum of understanding was signed between Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital and Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, covering the development of 5G technology, IoT, smart cities, cybersecurity, and media content. Meanwhile, a €2 billion investment partnership between Danantara and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will focus on energy, technology, and peaceful nuclear applications.
President Prabowo stated that his bilateral meeting with President Putin was productive and strategic.
“My meeting with President Putin was very warm and productive. These agreements mark a new milestone in the mutually beneficial Indonesia–Russia relationship,” Prabowo said.
President Putin emphasized Indonesia’s importance as a key partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region and highlighted the significant growth in bilateral trade.
“Indonesia is a key partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific. In just the first four months of this year, our trade increased by 40 percent compared to the same period last year,” Putin affirmed.
The two leaders also signed the Indonesia–Russia Strategic Partnership Declaration as a long-term foundation for bilateral ties.
Member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives Commission I from the NasDem Party, Amelia Anggraini, described President Prabowo’s presence at the international forum as a strategic moment that underscores Indonesia’s growing position on the global stage.
“President Prabowo’s attendance as a guest of honor at SPIEF 2025 reflects Indonesia’s rising leverage in global affairs, especially following its full membership in BRICS. Deep appreciation is due for the active diplomatic efforts undertaken by President Prabowo,” she said.
Amelia also emphasized that this cooperation opens broader opportunities for collaboration in defense, energy, and food security within an inclusive multipolar framework.
Through these concrete steps, Indonesia and Russia reaffirm their seriousness in building a strong, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnership for a more stable and prosperous regional and global future. [-red]
