St. Petersburg — A cordial and symbolic moment unfolded between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin as the two leaders exchanged state gifts following their bilateral meeting in St. Petersburg on Thursday (June 20). In a relaxed and respectful atmosphere, both heads of state took time to personally explain the significance behind their chosen tokens.
President Putin began by presenting two brown-bound copies of Military Leadership, a book authored by Prabowo during his time as Indonesia’s Minister of Defense. The work, which outlines Prabowo’s philosophies and insights into military leadership, was recently translated and published in Russian.
“Mr. President, during your tenure as Minister of Defense, you wrote a book on military leadership. We’ve translated it into Russian and published it for your collection,” said Putin, holding the books aloft.
In return, President Prabowo gifted Putin a meticulously carved miniature of the Garuda, Indonesia’s national emblem, presented in an elegant display case.
“The Garuda is the symbol of our country,” Prabowo said as he showed the keepsake to his Russian counterpart.
The exchange didn’t stop there. In a further gesture of goodwill, Putin handed Prabowo an officer’s sword—an emblem of honor and military tradition in Russia.
“This is an officer’s sword. I would like to present it to you, Mr. President,” Putin said.
“Thank you,” replied Prabowo, clearly moved by the gesture.
Putin then gave Prabowo a ceremonial coin, explaining it as part of a Russian custom signifying friendship and enduring bilateral ties.
“It’s a Russian tradition—we always give a coin,” Putin explained.
Graciously accepting the coin, Prabowo presented one final gift from the Indonesian side: a traditional keris from Bali—an ornate, culturally significant dagger often symbolizing courage, wisdom, and resistance.
“Thank you. And this is a keris from Bali. We call it Pattimura,” Prabowo said, referencing the Indonesian national hero known for his resistance against colonial rule.
The exchange underscored the growing bond between Jakarta and Moscow—not just through agreements and diplomacy, but through personal gestures and cultural respect that strengthen the foundation of Indonesia–Russia relations.
