President Prabowo Becomes Speaker at SPIEF Russia, Proving Indonesia’s Leadership in the Eyes of the World
By: Rizki Wicaksono )*
The presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, as the main speaker at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025 is an affirmation of Indonesia’s strategic position on the global stage. President Prabowo’s state visit to Russia, which took place on 19-20 June 2025, was not just an ordinary diplomatic visit, but a real reflection of the active diplomacy carried out by the Indonesian government in responding to increasingly complex and challenging international dynamics.
SPIEF is one of the most prestigious economic forums in the world, bringing together state leaders, business people, and economic experts from all over the world. SPIEF 2024 data shows that this forum was attended by more than 21,000 delegates from 139 countries and resulted in more than a thousand cooperation agreements worth trillions of rupiah. Therefore, President Prabowo’s participation as the main speaker at the forum is an important achievement that shows the high level of trust the international community has in Indonesia’s leadership.
President Prabowo’s agenda in Russia is also full of strategic meaning. In addition to being scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at SPIEF, the President will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Prabowo’s presence, invited directly by the leader of the superpower, is a strong signal that Indonesia is seen as an important partner in the global geopolitical and economic arena.
According to Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Farah Puteri Nahlia, President Prabowo’s presence at SPIEF is a clear indication that Indonesia is increasingly recognized as an important force in the global order. This is not only a matter of national pride, but also a golden opportunity to strengthen Indonesia’s bargaining position in various strategic sectors, from investment, trade, to multilateral diplomacy.
Farah emphasized that Indonesia’s presence in the SPIEF forum opens up significant opportunities for national economic growth. Through active participation in international forums like this, Indonesia has the opportunity to expand market access for national superior products, attract foreign direct investment, and build strategic partnerships with various participating countries in the forum. Furthermore, this forum can be an important momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s image as a country with strong political stability and promising economic prospects.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya also said that President Prabowo’s visit to Russia is part of Indonesia’s active diplomacy strategy in responding to global challenges and strengthening its strategic position in the international arena. In this context, Prabowo’s presence at SPIEF not only represents Indonesia as a developing country with great potential, but also as a large country that is starting to play an important role in maintaining global balance.
Teddy also emphasized that this visit did not stand alone. Before going to Russia, President Prabowo had previously attended the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat, making this series of overseas trips a comprehensive effort to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation networks that are beneficial for Indonesia. With this step, Indonesia shows its commitment not to be a spectator in global dynamics, but rather as an active actor that offers solutions, fights for national interests, and establishes strategic partnerships with various friendly countries.
More broadly, Indonesia’s participation in forums such as SPIEF is also an arena to strengthen Indonesia’s economic diplomacy. When the world is facing economic uncertainty due to war, global inflation, and supply chain disruption, Indonesia’s active participation in global dialogue is very crucial. President Prabowo’s presence as the main speaker at the SPIEF forum provides a positive signal that Indonesia has a role and solutions in navigating these challenges.
The visit to Russia can also be a stepping stone for strengthening more comprehensive bilateral relations between Indonesia and Russia. The potential for cooperation in the fields of energy, defense, technology, and agriculture is wide open. With a military background and long experience in international relations, President Prabowo has the capacity and strategy to ensure that the cooperation is mutualistic and provides real benefits for the Indonesian people.
This visit also reflects the continuation of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy direction. In this principle, Indonesia does not side with one of the world’s great powers, but instead plays a role as a balancer that cooperates with various countries without sacrificing sovereignty and national interests. In a forum like SPIEF, Indonesia can show that ininternational openness and collaboration, Indonesia remains steadfast in its principles.
Ultimately, President Prabowo’s presence at SPIEF 2025 not only conveys Indonesia’s economic vision to the world, but also shows Indonesia’s face as a great country that is ready to lead, dialogue, and work together for mutual progress. In the midst of such a dynamic global change, Indonesia does not remain silent. Under Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia is present, heard, and taken into account. That is proof that Indonesia’s leadership on the world stage is not just a symbol, but a reality that is getting stronger day by day.
)* The author is an International Political Journalist and Editor
