Negotiations with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on 2 July.

“During the preparations for this visit, and being in Indonesia for the second time during my presidential service, I made sure that there is enough work for Belarusians in Indonesia, and we are committed to working seriously to help you to achieve the goals that you have set before your people and vast country,” the President emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that the day before, the talks had been held at the level of government members of the two countries, and certain agreements had already been reached. “Our ministers and government members from the Indonesia and Belarus met yesterday and discussed the main issues and the main areas of our work - Belarus in Indonesia and Indonesia in Belarus. I believe they have already agreed on many things," the head of state noted.

“Therefore, we need to formalize these agreements and act without delays or bureaucracy. Only forward,” the Belarusian leader stated.

The President noted that the day before, he had also had a good conversation with Prabowo Subianto, which will serve as a foundation for further steps to improve and develop Belarusian-Indonesian relations.

On behalf of the entire Belarusian delegation, Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked the Indonesia President for the friendly reception extended to the Belarusian side. 

“The potential of our cooperation is significant. It is not about the fact that you are a giant country, while we are not a great state in comparison with you. But we possess the technologies and competencies that you need. In this regard, we are ready to work with you. In this respect, no topics are off limits. We are not afraid of anyone, just as you in Indonesia are not, because we are doing this not against anyone, but we are doing this for the benefit of our countries and peoples,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

The head of state noted that the signing of the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia in December 2025 stood as one of the crowning achievements of Belarus’ chairmanship of the EAEU last year.

“We share the same determination, you and I, to enable businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities opened up by the new trade regime,” the Belarusian leader stated.

During the talks Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that there is every opportunity to see cars and other machinery produced in Indonesia using Belarusian technologies appearing in large numbers on the streets of Jakarta and other cities of Indonesia.

“We do not want to only trade with you. That is not bad either. But we understand that this is not the right path in the modern world. Therefore, having come to you with our products, we are ready to train a sufficient number of your people here in Indonesia,” the head of state said. He noted that while training Indonesian specialists at Belarusian educational institutions is certainly an option, it is a time-consuming process. A more efficient approach, one that Belarus has already successfully employed in other countries, involves hands-on training for engineers directly at local factories, on the shop floors and assembly lines.

Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted Belarus’ strategic geographic position in the center of Europe, which serves as a gateway for Indonesian goods to European markets. “You can always rely on us. You can use Belarus as a gateway to Europe, and we will give you our full backing. We are friends, and we will go to every length to ensure that you never look back on this partnership with regret,” the President stated.

The head of state expressed his gratitude once more to Prabowo Subianto for the invitation to visit this vibrant country and for the generous hospitality shown to the Belarusian delegation in the land of a thousand islands.

“Mr President, my dear friend, these are not empty words. Perhaps it is because we are alike in character that we have become friends in such a short span of time. But it is also because we both seek the good of our peoples. We both want to see our nations prosperous and self-reliant,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian leader’s previous visit to Indonesia took place some 13 years ago. During the talks, the Indonesian President conveyed a degree of regret that such a lengthy gap had separated the two visits. But from the Belarusian President’s perspective, there is a silver lining to this: “The contrast is striking, the momentum unmistakable. The progress you have made in that time is truly remarkable. We see the pace at which you are advancing toward your objectives.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked Prabowo Subianto for the invitation to visit the country and for the warm welcome extended to the Belarusian delegation.

“I warmly recall my previous visit to Indonesia back in 2013. I am pleased to note how quickly your beautiful country is changing and how confidently its economy is growing,” he said. “I am satisfied that as a result of our visit to Indonesia, following the talks with the Indonesian President in Minsk, and thanks to the work of our ministers, the entire delegation, and business representatives, we have already signed contracts worth tens of millions of dollars.”

The head of state noted that he and his Indonesian counterpart had planned this visit a year ago. “I say this so that people in Belarus understand that this visit is absolutely scheduled. We agreed long ago that we would meet here, discuss our plans and our roadmap, which is exactly what we have done,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“Our countries have been bound by sincere friendship and fruitful cooperation for more than 30 years. In fact, much longer, because at the time diplomatic relations were established in 1993, there was already experience of interaction between our republic, the BSSR, and Indonesia. From the very first sessions of the UN General Assembly, the Belarusian delegation spoke out categorically against the colonial oppression of Indonesia and demanded an end to attempts to stifle Indonesian independence by military means,” the head of state stated. “You successfully dealt with that problem. Today, in international organizations, Minsk and Jakarta demonstrate alignment of goals and support each other.”

“You have set ambitious goals for your country. We stand by you,” Aleksandr Lukashenko assured. 

Belarus and Indonesia have agreed to introduce a visa waiver for Belarusian citizens and to launch a direct air route. 

“I thank you for the decision made today to open an embassy, to waive visas for our citizens, and to launch a direct air route,” the head of state said.

“Belarusians are not just taking a closer look at Indonesia as a very interesting tourist destination. Many have already discovered it for themselves. Our delegations paid special attention to the topic of mutual travel,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. “Therefore, the opening of an embassy, the lifting of visa restrictions, and the introduction of visa waiver for Belarusians to Indonesia, just as it works for Indonesian citizens [traveling to Belarus], is a major step forward.”

A roadmap for developing key areas of cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Indonesia for 2026-2030 received the green light from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.  

“I reaffirm the commitment of the Belarusian side to achieving all the goals and objectives set out in the roadmap for developing key areas of cooperation between Belarus and Indonesia through 2030. This is the most important of the documents we have signed,” the Belarusian leader said following the talks.

Aleksandr Lukashenko has drawn historical parallels between Belarus and Indonesia, whose peoples know the true value of sovereignty and independence.

“Since your election in 2024, political dialogue and economic ties between our countries have noticeably intensified, thanks to the active and independent stance you have taken. Our guiding principles of cooperation are mutual respect and a willingness to support one another, including on the international stage. Despite the geographical distance, Belarusians and Indonesians have much in common,” the Belarusian leader said.

He noted that Indonesia has successfully embodied the motto “Unity in Diversity”, which is inscribed on the country’s national emblem. “In that unity lies the strength of your people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

For Belarusians, in turn, the motto “Together for a Strong and Prosperous Belarus!” has become an important historical guiding principle.

“Our peoples know the value of sovereignty and independence. Both Indonesians and Belarusians defended their sovereignty and independence in the most brutal struggle against foreign invaders,” the Belarusian President said. “The experience gained in the fight for the right to determine their own future and govern their own land has been laid at the foundation of the peaceful, yet firm and consistent policy of the Belarusian state at the present stage.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko has welcomed Indonesia’s decision to open an embassy in Minsk. 

“We welcome the Indonesian side’s decision to open an embassy in Minsk. I am confident that this diplomatic mission will work hand in hand with the Belarusian embassy in Jakarta and will help increase the intensity of contacts between our countries,” the head of state said. He assured that the head of the diplomatic mission would receive every possible support from the Belarusian side.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also noted the participation in the talks of representatives of key Belarusian and Indonesian government agencies, who had already discussed a range of tasks. “This speaks to our mutual commitment to stepping up comprehensive cooperation,” he said.

Moreover, the delegation members resolved a significant portion of the negotiating agenda, thereby removing some of the burden from the two countries’ leaders, as the Indonesian President jokingly noted.

“You jokingly but very accurately summed up the course of our talks,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said, addressing Prabowo Subianto. “You said, ‘There is practically nothing left for us to do, because the ministers have done a great job.’ And that is indeed the case. We will keep moving forward in this direction.”

“We in Belarus are happy that in implementing your ambitious plans (and they are enormous) you have taken notice of Belarus. For us, there is a vast field of work here. I want to assure you once again: we will implement everything we have agreed upon. Yes, we are not a giant country like Indonesia. But we have what you need,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. 

He noted that the emphasis is not merely on trade in goods between Belarus and Indonesia, but first and foremost on technology. “The technologies that you need. You are diversifying everything. You don’t want to be dependent on any single nation. You want as many countries from around the world as possible to have a presence in Indonesia, and the more, the better. That, too, is a dimension of your independence. So we are happy that you have chosen us,” the President said.

“Indonesia has been, is, and will continue to be one of Belarus’ key partners in Southeast Asia. I am pleased to note that in recent times, Belarus-Indonesia ties have noticeably intensified. Tangible progress has been achieved across a wide range of areas, with concrete groundwork laid for the future. And the potential is immense,” the Belarusian leader stated.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that during the top-level talks, the two sides discussed a wide range of promising areas of cooperation in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. He emphasized that the friendship between the two countries’ leaders had greatly contributed to this.

Particular attention was paid to projects in trade, economy, and investments, as well as humanitarian initiatives.

“I reaffirm the commitment of the Belarusian side to achieving all the goals and objectives set out in the roadmap for developing key areas of cooperation between Belarus and Indonesia through 2030. This is the most important of the documents we have signed,” the Belarusian leader said following the talks.

The President emphasized that ensuring food security is one of the most pressing issues on the global agenda. “You are successfully addressing this matter and see a role for us in it,” he noted.

“Military conflicts, energy collapses, problems with traditional trade routes, all of this immediately affects the price of the food basket for ordinary people. I am firmly convinced that it is easier to strengthen food security and achieve sustainable self-sufficiency through joint efforts. We are ready for that,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He assured that Belarus is prepared to make a substantial contribution to the work being carried out in this direction by Indonesia’s leadership. This includes the supply of fertilizers, agricultural machinery, heavy-duty equipment, and other goods.

“We are ready not simply to supply this equipment, but to train thousands of your people to operate it. We can train your people not only in Indonesia but also on the assembly lines of our factories. We are also ready to assist our Indonesian friends with selected high-demand food items, including milk, meat, and other food products,” he said.

The priorities include cooperation in industry. “We are open to implementing mutually beneficial joint projects and expanding cooperation with Indonesia,” the head of state said. “Not just simple trade, but the creation of joint ventures with deep localization here.”

Belarus is ready to provide the necessary assistance in training medical personnel and qualified specialists for the modernization of Indonesia’s economy.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that there are no off-limits topics in Belarus-Indonesia cooperation: “From food to the military-industrial complex, nothing is out of bounds. This has been made possible, Mr. President, thanks to your energetic backing of Belarus in Indonesia. We are grateful people who cherish friendship. And we will never forget that.”

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed hope that the partnership between Belarus and Indonesia will grow even stronger. 

“This visit underscores our friendship, which continues to deepen amid an ever-changing global landscape. Belarus is Indonesia’s key partner in Eurasia, and we greatly value our relationship, which is based on mutual benefit. I hope that the Belarus-Indonesia partnership will become even stronger and that our cooperation will bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries,” the Indonesian leader said.

He also emphasized the importance of such areas of cooperation as industry, agriculture, and trade.

Prabowo Subianto noted that the two countries have approved a cooperation roadmap through 2030, which will serve as the foundation for advancing bilateral relations over the next five years. “This roadmap sets the framework for our joint efforts. Indonesia and Belarus have great potential for expanding cooperation in various fields. Our cooperation will focus on industrial development and agricultural modernization,” he said. “In industry, we see a major opportunity to increase trade volumes, investment, and cooperation between our two countries. We are also pushing for closer collaboration in culture and human resource development.”

“We greatly appreciate that Belarus has ratified the Indonesia-EAEU free trade agreement,” the Indonesian leader added.

Prabowo Subianto said that during the talks with Aleksandr Lukashenko, they also exchanged views on global challenges and agreed to continue supporting efforts to promote peace and stability.