INDONESIA, 06/08/2024 (Asia News Channels) - Indonesia's president-elect, Prabowo Subianto, has requested Russia's assistance in developing nuclear energy during his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This meeting marked the conclusion of his four-nation Eurasian tour.
"We are open for more Russian participation in our economy," said Prabowo, who currently serves as Indonesia's defense minister, during his meeting with Putin at the Kremlin. Prabowo mentioned discussions with Rosatom, the Russian state atomic energy corporation, about potential collaboration on both small modular reactors and main reactors.
While Putin did not directly address the nuclear request, he stated that Russia is prepared to "carry out investment projects" in energy, transportation, and infrastructure. This statement was translated and provided by the Russian embassy in Jakarta.
Indonesia aims to enhance its nuclear power capabilities to achieve its decarbonization goals. Currently, Indonesia operates only a small research reactor and lacks operational nuclear power plants. An official from the National Energy Council indicated earlier this year that nuclear power is no longer considered a last resort in the country's energy development plans.
This visit to Moscow was Prabowo's fourth in four years, underscoring its importance ahead of his official inauguration as Indonesia's president on October 20, succeeding Joko Widodo. "I come here to emphasize that I would like to enhance this relationship when I take over officially the presidency of the Republic of Indonesia," Prabowo said.
Putin also pledged to increase agricultural product supplies to Indonesia, which has been affected by rising grain prices since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both nations are major wheat exporters, a staple for bread and noodles in Indonesia.
Additionally, Putin mentioned the potential for a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia, highlighting Indonesia's significance as a market with nearly 300 million people.
Prabowo's discussions with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov earlier in the day included requests for Russian technology to advance Indonesia's defense industry.
--ASIA NEWS CHANNELS