Indonesia Positions Itself as Russia’s Gateway to Southeast
President Prabowo Subianto promoted Indonesia as a natural entry point for Russian businesses into ASEAN during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto described Indonesia as Russia’s gateway to Southeast Asia while speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. He urged Russian businesses to invest in Indonesia, stating that the Pacific should become a highway between the two economies.
Prabowo said Indonesia is a natural entry point to ASEAN for Eurasian businesses. He highlighted the profound historical ties between the two nations lasting over five decades and called Moscow an important partner for Jakarta.
He apologized to Putin for missing the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan in June, joking that he was paying off his debt by attending the Vladivostok forum. Prabowo also extended an invitation for Putin to visit Indonesia in the future.
Putin, in his own address at the forum established in 2015 to draw investment into Russia’s Far East, emphasized the importance of Russia’s relationship with Asia and Indonesia specifically. He described the Asia-Pacific as a powerful centre of growth setting the pace for the global economy.
Putin stated that Russia is an active participant in investment and trade cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, interacting as equals with partners and regional integration groupings. He regarded Indonesia as one of Russia’s trusted friends in ASEAN.
Prabowo was the main guest of honor at the Eastern Economic Forum, a year after receiving the same privilege at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. His trip to Vladivostok marked his second visit to Russia this year, following an April visit, and the fifth meeting with Putin since taking office in late 2024.
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Russia reached $4.8 billion in 2025, up 21.7 percent from the previous year, according to Indonesian statistics cited by the Straits Times.
Since Prabowo took office, Indonesia has joined BRICS and signed a free trade agreement with the Russia-dominated Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The two nations also upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership in December 2025.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said in a post on X that Indonesia’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum reflects its commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other strategic sectors. He added that, guided by Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy, the country will continue to engage with all partners to build bridges across regions and deliver tangible benefits for its people.
