1. Historic Meeting in St. Petersburg
On 19 June 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin held high-level talks at the Constantine Palace during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The meeting marked the signing of a “strategic partnership” agreement, encompassing expanded cooperation across defense, energy, nuclear technology, trade, and education .
Putin reiterated support for Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS, calling Jakarta a key Asia‑Pacific partner . Prabowo described their exchange as “intense, warm and productive,” indicating a significant deepening of bilateral relations .
2. Energy & Oil/Gas Partnership
A major outcome of the meeting was Putin’s offer to increase direct supplies of oil and LNG to Indonesia. He emphasized that Russian energy firms are prepared to expand engagement in Indonesian upstream and shelf hydrocarbon projects .
Subsequently, Indonesia’s Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who accompanied Prabowo, invited Russian investors to help explore new oil fields and offshore gas reserves. Projects such as the Tuban refinery and other infrastructure upgrades are already being pursued with Russian state oil companies .
3. Nuclear Energy Collaboration
Russia offered to assist Indonesia in constructing its first nuclear power plant a 500 MW unit planned by 2032 through Rosatom. Additionally, discussions included non-energy nuclear applications .
Indonesia is driving this energy diversification to reduce coal dependence and meet rising demand while managing emissions .
4. Strategic & Geopolitical Dimensions
The agreement follows ASEAN‑wide naval exercises in Java Sea and comes amid geopolitical tensions as Western sanctions triggered by Russia’s actions in Ukraine continue .
Analysts note that this meeting helps Russia cultivate ties in the Global South while demonstrating Jakarta’s non-aligned approach: maintaining balanced relations with both East and West, as reaffirmed by Prabowo .
Trade between Indonesia and Eurasian Economic Union members including Russia has surged to $1.6 billion as of March 2025, paving the way to finalize a free-trade agreement this year .
5. Investment, Defense, and Beyond
Beyond energy, the two nations agreed to pursue joint projects in technology, agriculture, education, and IT. Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund will collaborate with Russia’s investment agency to establish a €2 billion fund for mutual investment opportunities .
Military cooperation was further highlighted with proposals for joint naval drills, although Indonesia continues its stance against formal military blocs .
Context & Implications
Energy security & diversification: Indonesia secures alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on coal and diversify supply, while Russia gains a strategic market amidst global isolation.
BRICS reinforcement: Indonesia’s newfound role within BRICS underscores geopolitical shifts toward multipolarity.
Balanced diplomacy: While forging ties with Russia, Jakarta maintains relations with the U.S., China, and others, reflecting its non-aligned doctrine.
Western concerns: Allies such as Australia and the U.S. are closely monitoring for any shift in Indonesia’s defense posture, including potential military facilities like the proposed spaceport and naval cooperation .
✅ Key Takeaways
Focus Area Highlights
Oil & LNG Putin pledged to ramp up supplies and participate in exploration/development projects.
Nuclear Energy Russia to support Indonesia’s 500 MW nuclear plant and peaceful nuclear tech use.
Strategic Ties Signed partnership covering military, trade, investment, technology, and education.
Trade Agreements FTA with Eurasian Economic Union in progress; trade up 85% year‑on‑year.
Global Diplomacy Indonesia maintains non-alignment while engaging with all global powers.