Indonesia's Prabowo Pays Tribute at Graves of Russian National Heroes

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will lay wreaths at the graves of Russian national heroes before meeting President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on June 19, 2025. Laying wreaths at the graves of national heroes is one of Prabowo's state agendas during his two-day state visit to Russia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono stated that Prabowo's visit is crucial to Indonesia-Russia bilateral diplomacy and strengthens Indonesia's role in global issues.

"Tomorrow (June 19, 2025), he is scheduled to conduct a state visit to President Vladimir Putin. After several morning events, including laying wreaths at the graves of national heroes," said Sugiono in St. Petersburg on June 18, 2025, in his official statement.

Sugiono said that laying wreaths at the graves of national heroes is a form of tribute. The agenda will then continue with a bilateral meeting and end with a luncheon.

Regarding the topics to be discussed in the bilateral meeting, Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that the discussions would not only involve bilateral issues. The meeting of the two heads of state will also cover regional and global issues.

"I am confident that the two leaders will discuss regional and global issues," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

The head of state is scheduled to be one of the speakers at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday, June 20, 2025. This forum serves as a meeting platform for global economic leaders and stakeholders.

"The President will be invited to speak at the Plenary Session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025, which marks the culmination of the President's visit to Russia," said Sugiono.

Prabowo arrived at Pulkovo International Airport, St. Petersburg, around 17:50. He was officially welcomed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Head of the State Protocol of the Russian Federation Alexander Prusov, and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.

President Prabowo, accompanied by DPM Manturov, passed through the honor guard during the welcoming process. They paused briefly to listen to Indonesia Raya, the national anthem of Indonesia, and the national anthem of the Russian Federation.

After passing through the honor guard, President Prabowo and DPM Manturov introduced their respective country delegations present. Russian officials present included Senator Dagestan Ilyas Umakhanov, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov, and Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov.

From the Indonesian side, there were the Secretary of the Cabinet Teddy Indra Wijaya, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Russian Federation Jose Tavares, and the Defense Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, First Marshal Jatmiko Adi.

Upon arrival at the hotel, Prabowo was greeted by the Indonesian diaspora waiting around the hotel. He took the time to greet, engage in lighthearted conversations, and take selfies with them.

Daniya Sabirova, a Russian citizen who came with her husband Andre Septiyanto and their two children, expressed her pride in meeting and conversing directly with President Prabowo in Bahasa Indonesia.

Daniya and Andre conveyed their hopes for President Prabowo's visit to Russia. They also hoped that President Prabowo could visit St. Petersburg more frequently.

"Actually, this moment is very important because President Prabowo has come to Russia to meet our President, and we hope that the bridge between the two countries, Russia and Indonesia, will become even closer," said Daniya.

Meanwhile, Indonesian diaspora member Nita, a student from Siborongborong, North Sumatra, pursuing her Master's degree in Agriculture in Russia, expressed her delight in shaking hands with President Prabowo directly.

"I'm so happy, because I shook hands directly with the President, the number one person in Indonesia. When he asked where I'm from, I said Siborongborong, and he responded with 'Horas Mejuah-juah', that's what he said. Yes, I'm very happy," said Nita.

As for Ambar, an Indonesian residing in St. Petersburg for eight years with her husband and two children, she also didn't want to miss this moment. She dressed in traditional Javanese and Kalimantan attire with her two children.

"Earlier, the President asked, talked with my child. My husband was asked if he could speak Bahasa Indonesia or not," she said with a small laugh.

In addition to the diaspora, President Prabowo was also welcomed by the Red and White Cabinet ministers, who had arrived in St. Petersburg earlier.

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