Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto plans to send Indonesian citizens to Russia to participate in a cosmonaut program. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that this is part of the exploration of cooperation with Russia in the space sector.

The plan is the result of Prabowo's visit to Moscow, Russia, to meet with President Vladimir Putin last week. Sugiono mentioned that Presidents Prabowo and Putin discussed potential areas of cooperation, including agriculture, energy, and science.

"Other matters discussed also include cooperation in the field of science and technology, as well as space. The President also conveyed the possibility for Indonesia to send selected and best individuals to participate in the Russian cosmonaut program," said Sugiono at the Bina Graha building, within the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

According to Sugiono, sending astronauts and equipment into space is a sign of a country's technological superiority. "That's why the President also expressed the intention to explore the possibility of sending Indonesians to undergo cosmonaut training," said the minister.

Sugiono emphasized that discussions about cooperation with Russia extend beyond the space sector to include various other sectors. "The discussion and talks certainly also cover various fields because Russia is a strategic partner of Indonesia, and its status as a strategic partnership has increased in 2025," said Sugiono.

On April 13, 2026, President Prabowo traveled to Moscow to meet with Putin at the Kremlin. Prabowo consulted with Putin regarding the global geopolitical situation. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to increase cooperation in several sectors, including space, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, and trade.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2099710/prabowo-plans-to-send-indonesians-to-russias-cosmonaut-progra