Prabowo Subianto's Russia visit sparks misinformation concerns

Indonesian officials have addressed the objectives and subsequent misinformation surrounding President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia for the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok.

Muhammad Qodari, Head of the Government Communications Agency, stated that the visit aligns with Indonesia’s ‘free and active’ foreign policy principle. He emphasized that the mission aims to secure national interests and explore economic cooperation with Russia, a geopolitically strategic nation with significant natural resources. Prabowo attended the forum as an honored guest and delivered a speech alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Concurrently, members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) have called on the police to investigate the spread of hoaxes regarding the trip. Ahmad Sahroni, Vice Chairman of Commission III, highlighted viral videos containing misinformation, such as claims that President Putin ignored Prabowo’s handshake or that Foreign Minister Sugiono fell asleep during the forum. Sahroni urged law enforcement to take action to prevent misinformation from damaging the democratic climate.