ZOAHARIAN.COM - President Prabowo Subianto revealed the reason he was unable to fulfill the invitation of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin

Prabowo then apologized for not being able to attend the two important agendas in person. He explained that at that time there were domestic problems that prevented him from leaving Indonesia.

"I apologize profusely because I cannot attend this important event because there are domestic problems that I cannot stay away from," he said.

Prabowo Says He's Now Paying His “Debt” to Putin

Even though he was unable to come last June, Prabowo called his visit to Russia in early September 2026 a form of "paying off the debt".

The Indonesian Head of State is currently in Vladivostok and is the main guest of honor at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

“I am paying my debt by being present in Vladivostok now,” said Prabowo.

This statement was greeted with a smile from Putin.

Indonesia-Russia have relations for more than 50 years

During the meeting, Prabowo also emphasized that relations between Indonesia and Russia have a long history. According to him, the two countries have built deep relations for more than five decades.

Prabowo considers Russia to be an important partner for Indonesia. He also welcomed the improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries into a strategic partnership since last year.

"For Indonesia, Russia is a very important partner," said Prabowo.

He also expressed his appreciation for Indonesia being able to participate in the 11th Eastern Economic Forum.

"And once again we are honored to participate in the 11th Eastern Economic Forum," he said.

Encourage Economic and Maritime Cooperation

Prabowo sees EEF as having great potential to become a bridge for increasing cooperation and connectivity between countries in the region.

According to him, Indonesia and Russia both have great interests in the Pacific region. For Indonesia as an archipelagic country, connectivity and cooperation in the maritime sector is an important part of strengthening relations between the two countries.

Prabowo said that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Russia continued to develop, especially in the economic and trade fields.

"In several respects, our relations continue to improve, as His Excellency has said, in the economic sector, our trade is increasing, our cooperation in various fields is also progressing. And we are ready to increase this cooperation," said Prabowo.

Prabowo's visit to Vladivostok also provides momentum to strengthen Indonesia-Russia relations, as well as opening up new opportunities for increasing economic cooperation, trade, connectivity and the maritime sector in the Pacific region.

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