Langgam Pos - In a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indonesian Defense Minister and 2024-2029 Presidential Elect Prabowo Subianto pushed for the establishment of direct flights from Russia to Bali. This initiative is part of the broader plan to open a Russian Consulate General in the Indonesian island paradise.
During the encounter in Moscow on July 31, 2024, Prabowo emphasized the significance of the direct flight route as a means to bolster tourism and enhance the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Russia.
"Regarding tourism, we have just approved direct flights to Bali, and we also welcome the opening of the Russian Consulate General in Bali," Prabowo stated, as reported in a press release on August 1, 2024.
However, he noted that approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still pending for the consulate's establishment. Nonetheless, the Indonesian government is prepared to launch the direct flights from Russia to Bali, whether through Aeroflot or Russian Airlines.
"We fully support the plan for the Russian Consulate General in Bali and endorse direct flights from Russia," Prabowo affirmed.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing various forms of collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the tourism sector.
Strengthening Educational Ties Between Indonesia and Russia
In the same meeting, Prabowo highlighted the importance of educational cooperation between Indonesia and Russia. He announced plans to initiate a substantial scholarship program to send Indonesian students abroad.
"I plan to start a major scholarship program to send our students overseas," Prabowo said, according to the press release.
The focus will be on medical training due to a shortage of 116,000 medical doctors in Indonesia. Prabowo expressed a desire to send some Indonesian youth to study at Russian universities.
He plans to allocate a special budget for these scholarships, reminiscent of the programs from the 1960s.
"We view Russia as a key partner where we want to send our youth for education. In fact, in the sixties, we sent many of our young people here for studies; it was all about education," he added.
Meeting with President Erdogan
Previously, on July 30, 2024, Prabowo met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara. Erdogan welcomed Prabowo with a state ceremony and extended his congratulations on Prabowo's election as president.
The two leaders shared a warm handshake and walked together to the palace. Erdogan expressed hopes for Prabowo's visit to Turkey after his inauguration.
Prabowo expressed his honor at the warm reception in Turkey, stating, "It is a great honor for me to be received by His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkiye, to discuss our comprehensive bilateral relations."
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