St. Petersburg – In a strategic and symbolic move that underscores Indonesia’s rising geopolitical weight, Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially named President Prabowo Subianto as the guest of honour at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025.
The declaration was made during a bilateral meeting in Russia as part of Prabowo’s state visit, ahead of the forum’s plenary session on Friday, 20 June 2025. This development signals Russia’s growing interest in forging stronger ties with Southeast Asia’s largest economy, particularly in a multipolar world order.
“You are the guest of honour at the forum,” Putin stated during their meeting, affirming both leaders’ participation in the main plenary session. This year’s SPIEF, now in its 28th iteration, carries the theme: “Shared Values: Foundations for Growth in a Multipolar World.”
More than ceremonial, the move reflects deepening diplomatic and economic engagement between Russia and Indonesia. Putin emphasized that bilateral trade is expanding, with promising prospects in agriculture, energy, aerospace, and military-technical collaboration. “Our relations are developing, and volumes of cooperation continue to grow,” he added.
SPIEF has historically served as a platform for aligning strategic economic agendas outside of Western-dominated financial architectures. Prabowo’s elevated presence at the forum is seen by analysts as a nod to Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy and its increasing role as a bridge between East and West.
The Kremlin’s gesture also carries layered diplomatic messaging. Amid ongoing Western sanctions and an evolving global power matrix, the inclusion of Indonesia as a central figure at SPIEF signals Moscow’s intent to diversify alliances—both economically and ideologically.
Observers see this as part of a broader Russian pivot toward Asia, where economic diplomacy and security cooperation intersect. Indonesia, with its G20 membership and rapidly expanding consumer market, represents a strategic partner in Putin’s regional calculus.
The SPIEF 2025 plenary session, attended by dozens of heads of state, ministers, and CEOs, will be closely watched for new alignments, trade signals, and policy directions emerging from this evolving multipolar landscape.
