What's happened
Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto's recent visit to Russia has solidified bilateral relations, marked by a strategic partnership declaration and a €2 billion investment fund. The discussions focused on military cooperation, energy, and technology, reflecting Indonesia's shift towards diversifying its international alliances.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift
- Prabowo's visit underscores Indonesia's intent to diversify its international partnerships, moving away from a heavy reliance on Western nations.
- The €2 billion investment fund with Russia's Direct Investment Fund signals a commitment to economic collaboration, particularly in energy and technology sectors.
- Indonesia's interest in nuclear power, with potential Russian collaboration, aligns with its goals to enhance energy capacity while managing carbon emissions.
Military Cooperation
- The discussions on defense cooperation, including the potential revival of the Sukhoi Su-35 deal, indicate Indonesia's ongoing military engagement with Russia despite recent acquisitions from the US and France.
- Analysts warn that any military access granted to Russia could provoke regional tensions, particularly with Australia and the US, necessitating careful navigation of defense policies.
Geopolitical Implications
- Prabowo's choice to skip the G7 summit in favor of talks with Putin raises concerns about Indonesia's alignment in the global geopolitical landscape, especially amid Western efforts to isolate Russia due to the Ukraine conflict.
- The strengthening of ties with Russia may alter Indonesia's diplomatic stance, impacting its relationships with other major powers, including the US and China.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Prabowo described his meeting with Putin as 'intense, warm and productive,' emphasizing improvements in various fields including trade and investment. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlighted concerns over potential military access for Russia in Indonesia, with analysts warning of the implications for regional stability. Bloomberg noted the 'extremely active' development of ties between the two nations, reflecting a broader trend of Russia seeking partnerships with countries in the Global South amid Western isolation efforts. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complexities of Indonesia's diplomatic balancing act as it navigates its relationships with both Russia and Western powers.
How we got here
Prabowo's visit coincides with Indonesia's recent entry into BRICS and follows a series of engagements with global leaders. His decision to prioritize talks with Russia over attending the G7 summit highlights Jakarta's strategic interests amid geopolitical tensions.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Indonesia's ties with Russia?
- How does this affect Indonesia's relationship with the US?
- What are the potential risks of military cooperation with Russia?
Common question
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What is the significance of Russia and Indonesia's new strategic partnership?
On June 19, 2025, Russia and Indonesia took a significant step in their diplomatic relations by signing a strategic partnership declaration. This agreement not only includes a substantial investment fund but also marks Indonesia's entry into BRICS, raising questions about the implications for global geopolitics and regional alliances. Below, we explore the key aspects of this partnership and its potential impact.
More on these topics
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Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician, businessman and former Army lieutenant General who is the currently-appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
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BRICS is the acronym coined to associate five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS members are known for their significant influence on regional affairs.