St. Petersburg, June 20, 2025 – The Europe Today: Russian President Vladimir Putin has underscored the robust and growing economic relations between Russia and Indonesia, citing a significant 40 percent increase in bilateral trade during the first four months of 2025.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg on Thursday, President Putin remarked, “Last year, trade volume between our two countries reached US$4.3 billion. In the first four months of this year alone, trade has grown by 40 percent.”
Putin acknowledged Indonesia’s rising prominence as one of Russia’s key economic partners in Southeast Asia and emphasized the increasingly favorable trade balance. He highlighted the expansion of Russian wheat exports to Indonesia and noted the growing market share of Indonesian agricultural products in Russia.
The Russian President also pointed to an April 2025 memorandum of understanding on infrastructure cooperation as a cornerstone of this dynamic partnership. The agreement not only enhances collaboration on large-scale infrastructure projects but also paves the way for Indonesia to increase its livestock exports to the Russian market.
Further institutional support for the bilateral partnership continues through the Joint Commission on Economic, Trade, and Technological Cooperation, in addition to regular business forums facilitating direct engagement between companies from both countries.
Looking ahead, President Putin voiced optimism regarding the anticipated signing of a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). “I hope this agreement will be signed in the near future,” he stated.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in his remarks, reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Indonesia–Russia partnership, which this year commemorates its 75th anniversary.
“Indonesia and Russia share a long-standing relationship. The Russian Federation has always been an important partner for Indonesia,” said President Prabowo. He expressed appreciation to President Putin and the Russian government for supporting Indonesia’s accession as a full member of the BRICS economic bloc, which officially took effect in January 2025.
President Prabowo also welcomed the expanding cooperation under the framework of the Eurasian Free Trade Area, describing it as a pivotal opportunity to boost trade and deepen Indonesia’s engagement with the broader Eurasian region.
The leaders’ meeting marked a significant step forward in enhancing the depth and breadth of Indonesia–Russia relations across economic, political, and cultural dimensions.
