Prabowo highlights shared values with Russia, pushes for swift FTA ratification
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized common principles of cooperation with Russia at the Eastern Economic Forum, calling for prompt ratification of the Indonesia-EAEU free trade agreement to boost bilateral economic ties.
Indonesia, Russia share values of mutual cooperation: Prabowo
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto underscored the shared values between Indonesia and Russia during his keynote address at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, September 3, 2026, emphasizing mutual cooperation as the foundation for strengthening bilateral partnership.
Speaking before an audience of over 5,000 participants from more than 70 countries at the Far Eastern Federal University campus on Russky Island, Prabowo drew parallels between Russian and Indonesian cultural wisdom. He cited the Russian saying "Odin v polye ne voin" — one man cannot fight alone — comparing it to Indonesia's concept of "gotong royong," which holds that heavy burdens become lighter when carried together.
"Despite language differences, Indonesia and Russia have the same ancient wisdom from our forefathers," Prabowo stated, addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin and other regional leaders including Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang, Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, and Myanmar Deputy Leader U Nyo Saw.
Concrete Economic Cooperation
The Indonesian president called for translating personal diplomatic friendship into tangible outcomes benefiting both nations' populations. He emphasized the need to expand cooperation in trade, connectivity, payment systems, and joint industrial projects.
"Everything we have discussed today, the tariff lines covered by the FTA, transport corridors, payment systems, and industrial projects, exists for one reason; so that a fisherman in Indonesia and a shipbuilder in Russia can each look at their children and believe that tomorrow will be better than today," Prabowo said.
Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union — comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan — signed a comprehensive free trade agreement on December 21, 2025, in St. Petersburg. The deal covers over 90 percent of traded goods and eliminates or reduces duties on 11,882 tariff lines.
Indonesia completed parliamentary approval of the agreement, with Prabowo signing the presidential regulation of ratification in July 2026. However, the deal awaits ratification by all EAEU member states before entering into force. The Indonesian president is now urging swift action from EAEU partners to complete the process.
Tariff Reductions and Trade Growth
Once implemented, the free trade agreement is expected to reduce the average tariff rate Indonesia applies to EAEU goods fivefold, from 10.2 percent to 2 percent, covering more than 94 percent of current exports in value terms.
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Russia has grown substantially, reaching $4.3 billion in 2024 compared to $1.9 billion in 2020, representing an average annual growth rate exceeding 20 percent. Indonesia's main exports to Russia are dominated by palm oil and agricultural products, while Russia primarily exports fertilizers, coal, steel and iron products to Indonesia.
Pacific as Highway, Not Barrier
Addressing Indonesia's strategic vision for cooperation with Russia and the EAEU, Prabowo highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity across the Pacific region.
"The Pacific does not separate us. The Pacific connects us. The Pacific is not a wall between us. The Pacific is a highway for both of our economies," the president declared.
The forum, held annually since 2015 except for a COVID-19 cancellation in 2020, aims to accelerate economic development of the Russian Far East and expand international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The 2026 edition focused on the theme "The Far East: Development for the Benefit of People," emphasizing housing, urban development, jobs, and infrastructure.
During his visit, Prabowo participated in several high-level engagements, including a bilateral meeting with Putin, who described Indonesia as one of Russia's key partners in the Asia Pacific region. The trip marked a significant diplomatic initiative for Prabowo, who became Indonesia's eighth president in October 2024, succeeding Joko Widodo.