Indonesia-Russia bilateral cooperation expansion

Indonesia and Russia have moved to strengthen ties across multiple sectors, including defense, industry, and trade.

In mid-October 2026, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with Russian officials to discuss expanding defense cooperation, specifically focusing on the defense industry. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s policy of strengthening national defense through international partnerships.

Simultaneously, economic cooperation is expanding. Following a significant increase in bilateral trade—which rose from US$3.98 billion in 2024 to US$4.84 billion in 2025—officials from both nations discussed broadening collaboration into the shipping and aviation industries.

On October 17, 2026, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to further these economic ties. The discussions centered on increasing national industrial capacity and expanding business partnerships. This meeting follows high-level discussions between President Prabowo Subianto and President Vladimir Putin in September 2026.

Efforts are also underway to ratify the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (I-EAEU FTA), with both parties aiming to finalize procedures by the end of 2026 to facilitate broader market access. Major commodities driving current trade include palm oil, coffee, cocoa, agricultural products, and fertilizers.