Prabowo, Putin discuss Indonesians joining cosmonaut training

hartono · Apr 22, 2026

Foreign Minister Sugiono (left), Chief of the Presidential Staff (KSP) Muhammad Qodari, and Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (April 22, 2026). ANTARA/Prisca Triferna

Jakarta (ANTARA) -
President Prabowo Subianto, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin some time ago, discussed the potential of sending Indonesian citizens to take part in a cosmonaut training program, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono stated.

At a press conference at the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) here on Wednesday, Sugiono explained that during the visit to Moscow, Russia, Putin and Prabowo discussed a number of potential areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The two also went over efforts to address the global situation, including conditions in the Middle East that affect energy in several countries.

“Other matters discussed also included cooperation in science and technology, as well as space. The President also conveyed the possibility for Indonesia to send selected and top individuals to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut program,” Sugiono said.

He noted that the step is important, as sending personnel and specialized equipment into outer space orbit is one of the parameters indicating a country’s technological advantage.

“The discussions and talks also covered various fields, as we know Russia is Indonesia’s strategic partner, and the status of this strategic partnership was elevated in 2025,” he remarked.

Several key issues discussed between Prabowo and Putin included energy transition, alternative energy such as biodiesel and bioethanol, as well as fertilizer needs arising from conditions in the Middle East.

During the meeting, President Prabowo conveyed that, with government policies already issued regarding fertilizers, the issue does not affect Indonesia.

Previously, Putin invited Prabowo to come to Russia again to attend industrial exhibitions in May and July 2026, one of which will be held in Kazan, Tatarstan.