President Prabowo Subianto embarked on a significant diplomatic mission, departing from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta for Moscow, Russia, on Sunday evening (April 12). This high-stakes visit aims to further bolster bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Russia amidst the rapidly evolving global geopolitical landscape.
The President is scheduled for a crucial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a focal point of his itinerary. Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel TNI Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed that President Prabowo and his limited entourage were expected to arrive in Moscow on Monday morning (April 13), following an extensive 12-hour non-stop journey aboard national carrier Garuda Indonesia.
“President Prabowo is slated to hold a direct one-on-one meeting with President Vladimir Putin later that day,” Teddy announced in a press release issued by the Presidential Press, Media, and Information Bureau on Sunday (April 12).
During their discussions, both leaders are anticipated to delve into a range of key strategic issues. A paramount concern for Indonesia will be the enhancement of national energy security through continued cooperation with Russia.
Teddy further elaborated that the agenda includes “sustaining collaboration with the Russian government and guaranteeing a stable national energy supply, particularly the availability of oil.” This underscores the critical importance of reliable energy resources for Indonesia’s sustained growth and stability.
Accompanying President Prabowo on this vital trip is a distinguished delegation, including Foreign Minister Sugiono and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, alongside Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
President Prabowo had previously underscored the rationale behind his recent intensified foreign visits. He explained that these diplomatic engagements are an integral part of the government’s proactive efforts to safeguard the nation’s energy supply, with a specific focus on securing essential oil resources.
Addressing critics during a Government Working Meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (April 8), Prabowo made candid remarks: “They say Prabowo enjoys traveling abroad. My fellow citizens, to secure oil, I simply have to go everywhere.” His statement highlighted the urgency and necessity driving his international travel schedule.
The Gerindra Party Chairman emphasized the critical importance of actively forging communication and cooperation with various nations. He sees this as an indispensable asset in the face of intensified global competition for diverse energy supply sources.
Highlighting a previous success, Prabowo cited his visit to Japan in late March, which he deemed fruitful for energy cooperation. He also hinted at further international engagements, stating, “I will be departing for another country soon; once I leave, you will know where, also to secure (oil).” This suggests a continued strategic focus on international partnerships to ensure Indonesia’s vital resource needs are met.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto departed for Moscow, Russia, to bolster bilateral cooperation and enhance Indonesia’s national energy security. He is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss maintaining collaboration and guaranteeing a stable national energy supply, particularly oil. Foreign Minister Sugiono and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia are part of his delegation.
This visit is part of the government’s proactive efforts to secure essential oil resources amidst intensified global competition. Prabowo emphasized the critical importance of actively forging communication and cooperation with various nations to ensure Indonesia’s vital resource needs are met. He highlighted the urgency driving his international travel schedule for energy supply.