Jakarta (ANTARA) – Although Iran has responded positively to Indonesia's request to allow two Pertamina tankers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has opted to pursue more reliable alternative energy sources.In the early hours of April 13, Prabowo arrived in Moscow, Russia, accompanied by Foreign Minister Sugiono, Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.The purpose of the visit was clear: to meet President Vladimir Putin and discuss the global geopolitical situation and national energy security.This is not Prabowo's first visit to Russia or meeting with Putin. Since he was still president-elect, his meeting in Moscow in July 2024 marked the start of a series of consistent and strategically meaningful visits.He visited Russia twice more as president — first to Saint Petersburg in June 2025, then to Moscow in December 2025 — making this his third visit as head of state.Moscow has therefore become one of his most frequently visited capitals since taking office.The visit reflects Indonesia's active diplomatic efforts to build mutually beneficial partnerships, with Russia seen as a vital partner in supporting global economic stability and growth.Prabowo said the rapid dynamics of global geopolitics require input from various parties, including Russia, which he considers to be playing a positive role.He stressed the importance of consultations to determine future steps and strengthen bilateral cooperation.Energy cooperation has been central in previous meetings, with both countries agreeing to develop new and renewable energy while opening opportunities for peaceful nuclear technology.Putin has publicly expressed Russia's readiness to partner with Indonesia in developing civilian nuclear energy.This is not mere rhetoric but a signal that Russia sees Indonesia as a long-term partner in the increasingly strategic energy sector.Five-Hour MeetingCommitments made in earlier meetings are now entering a more demanding phase: implementation, which has become one of Prabowo's key agenda items at the Kremlin.The meeting lasted five hours, reflecting the seriousness with which both leaders approached their discussions.Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said both sides agreed to expand cooperation across six sectors: the economy, energy, space, agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, and education.This expansion reflects a shared commitment to building a more comprehensive partnership.The priority remains energy and mineral resources, including downstreaming and long-term oil and gas security.Beyond energy, both countries aim to expand cooperation in education, research and technology, agriculture, and investment, particularly to support domestic industrial development.Prabowo also signaled a more hands-on approach, stating his readiness to personally handle cooperation agreements deemed to be underperforming.He highlighted the monetary relationship with Russia as an area requiring acceleration and said he would directly monitor its progress, elevating it to presidential priority.While most agreements from previous meetings have shown progress, several sectors still require stronger implementation efforts.Prabowo also expressed appreciation for Russia's support for Indonesia's strategic interests, including accelerating full membership in BRICS.The membership is seen as crucial to the global economic landscape and reflects Indonesia's rising position on the international stage.Russia's support has helped smooth the accession process and opened opportunities for Indonesia to play a greater role globally.Putin said bilateral relations are strengthening, pointing to trade growth of around 12 percent, and reaffirmed Indonesia's position as a strategic partner.For Moscow, strengthening ties with Indonesia has become a matter of particular importance.Critical NotesAmid diplomatic optimism and geopolitical uncertainty, critical voices continue to emerge. Teuku Rezasyah, a lecturer in International Relations at President University, described the visit as a positive step.However, he reminded Indonesia to position itself as an equal partner — not merely a party requesting assistance.He stressed that civil nuclear cooperation must comply with standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).Knowledge transfer, training, and strengthening domestic human resource capacity must be non-negotiable components of any agreement.He also called for all outcomes of the Prabowo-Putin meeting to be properly documented and followed up transparently.Without accountability, agreements risk remaining diplomatic formalities with little real impact on people's lives.Reza also noted Indonesia's vast energy potential, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal resources.However, he said this potential remains underutilized due to inconsistent long-term planning.Courage and a well-directed program are essential to achieving national energy independence.Without concrete steps, dependence on external partners will persist and may become a vulnerability that other countries can exploit as leverage.