President Prabowo’s Invitation to Russia Proves Indonesia’s Strategic Position in the Eyes of the World
By: Ricky Rinaldi
The state visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, to Russia at the direct invitation of President Vladimir Putin marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s global diplomacy. This agenda not only emphasizes Indonesia’s active role in the international arena, but also reflects the increasingly strong strategic position of Indonesia in the eyes of the world.
President Prabowo’s steps began with a visit to Singapore to attend the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat and meet with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong. After completing the bilateral agenda in the neighboring country, President Prabowo is scheduled to continue his journey to Russia to fulfill the honorary invitation from President Putin. In the bilateral meeting which took place on June 19, 2025, the two heads of state discussed a number of strategic collaborations, especially in the fields of economics, defense, and geopolitics.
Cabinet Secretary, Teddy Indra Wijaya, said that President Prabowo’s visit to Russia was a strategic step that reflected the increasingly strong position of Indonesia in the international arena. He explained that before going to Russia, the President would first visit Singapore to attend a summit with the country’s leader. According to him, the invitation from President Putin is proof that Indonesia is now increasingly seen as a large and influential country in responding to increasingly complex global dynamics.
In line with that, the Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rolliansyah Soemirat, explained that the President and his limited entourage are scheduled to visit St. Petersburg on June 18-20, 2025. He said that the agenda includes a bilateral meeting with the Russian President, as well as President Prabowo’s participation as a keynote speaker at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). He added that Indonesia’s presence at the prestigious forum is part of an effort to expand strategic cooperation, as well as demonstrate a commitment to inclusive and sustainable global economic cooperation.
SPIEF 2025 itself is an international forum that brings together state leaders, global business actors, and world economic experts. President Prabowo’s presence as a keynote speaker signifies the high level of respect the international community has for Indonesia. Through this stage, the President had the opportunity to introduce the direction of national development and emphasize Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening fair and constructive international economic cooperation.
As the third largest democracy in the world and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has demonstrated its capacity to maintain the balance of international relations. The government continues to uphold the principle of free and active in foreign diplomacy, where Indonesia does not side with any major power, but rather makes itself a bridge for dialogue. In the context of increasingly sharp global conflicts, this approach is becoming increasingly relevant and needed by the international community.
The bilateral visit with President Putin also opens up great opportunities for Indonesia to strengthen cooperation in various important sectors. So far, Indonesia and Russia have established close relations in the defense sector, but under the leadership of President Prabowo, this cooperation is expected to develop more widely, covering the energy, infrastructure, food, and technology sectors. Through this strategic partnership, the two countries can complement each other and strengthen each other’s resilience amidst global uncertainty.
For Russia, Indonesia is a very important potential partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Conversely, for Indonesia, Russia is an important gateway to expanding the network of economic and political cooperation in the Eurasian region. By opening high-level communication channels like this, both countries can be more effective in facing shared global challenges, such as the threat of food crises, energy, and climate change.
In the domestic context, President Prabowo’s steps strengthen Indonesia’s position as a politically stable country that is able to manage the economy well amidst global turmoil. The government is not only focused on domestic development, but is also actively expanding international cooperation networks to support national development.
President Prabowo’s leadership, which is known to be firm but open to dialogue, has given a new color to Indonesian diplomacy. This approach gives a positive signal to the international world that Indonesia is ready to be a reliable partner in various global issues. President Prabowo’s proactive attitude also opens up greater space for Indonesia to play an important role in international organizations such as ASEAN, G20, OIC, and the UN.
This visit is also a moment forIt is important for the government to promote various national strategic programs that require support from abroad. Programs such as green energy transformation, strengthening food security, and modernizing the defense sector can be accelerated through cooperation with developed countries such as Russia. With the support of technology and resources from outside, Indonesia can strengthen the foundation towards the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
More than that, Indonesia’s role in SPIEF 2025 is expected to bring the voices of developing countries that have so far received less attention in the global economic system. Indonesia’s presence as one of the main speakers is a reminder that the future of the world is not only determined by large countries, but also by middle powers that have a vision and commitment to equal international cooperation.
Overall, the state invitation from President Vladimir Putin to President Prabowo Subianto is a reflection of the increasing world trust in Indonesia. This is not only a form of diplomatic respect, but also a signal that Indonesia is now on the right track in building a larger and more strategic global role.
The Indonesian people should be proud because their country is not only taken into account, but also respected on the world stage. The government under Prabowo’s leadership has shown that with a clear vision, a moderate approach, and active diplomacy, Indonesia is able to emerge as a global power that carries a message of peace, progress, and cooperation. The invitation to Russia is not just a visit, but a real step towards a stronger and more influential global role.
*)Strategic Issues Observer
[edRW]
