Indonesia should tread carefully before deepening ties with Russia, analysts said, after President Prabowo Subianto made an unplanned visit to Moscow this week, raising questions about the diplomatic and economic costs of closer engagement – including how Washington could respond.
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Prabowo on Wednesday, hailing 75 years of what the Kremlin described as “solid and steady” diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The visit was Prabowo’s second to Russia this year, following his participation in an economic forum in St Petersburg in June, and came as Moscow stepped up overtures on energy, trade and military cooperation.
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During the meeting, Putin offered Russian assistance to help Indonesia develop its energy sector, particularly nuclear power plants, alongside increased wheat shipments.
“Our two countries have significant potential in energy, including nuclear power. I know that your country has plans in this regard. As for us, we remain at your disposal should you wish to reach out to our specialists,” Putin said on Wednesday.
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Putin noted that Indonesia “enjoys a surplus” in its trade balance with Russia, particularly in the agricultural sector, but “we are not complaining”.