Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto marks his 75th birthday on 17 October.
Prabowo Subianto was born on 17 October 1951 in Jakarta. He comes from a prominent Javanese family. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, held several ministerial positions between the 1950s and 1970s. He became the eighth President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2024, beginning a five-year term.
Among the priorities of his administration are economic development, food and energy security, industrial development and technological modernisation. In the first half of 2026, Indonesia’s economy grew by 5.45 per cent year-on-year, while GDP in the second quarter increased by 5.29 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
Indonesia’s accession to BRICS has become one of the major developments in the country’s foreign policy during Prabowo Subianto’s presidency. The republic officially became a full member of BRICS on 6 January 2025.
Since joining the group, Jakarta has expanded cooperation with BRICS members in a number of strategic areas. In 2026, Indonesia and India signed 20 cooperation agreements covering critical minerals, space research, agriculture, healthcare, digital infrastructure, education and other sectors. The two countries are also developing cooperation in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, quantum technologies and digital public infrastructure.
Indonesia and Brazil have strengthened scientific and technological cooperation. The countries are developing joint initiatives in semiconductors, aerospace engineering and specialist training, including opportunities for Indonesian postgraduate students to study integrated circuit design, microfabrication and materials science in Brazil.
Relations with Russia have also advanced. During talks in Moscow in April 2026, Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to accelerate joint projects in the economy and energy. The sides also highlighted prospects in agriculture, space, pharmaceuticals, industrial cooperation and education. Indonesia has additionally shown interest in the BRICS Grain Exchange, particularly in the context of food security and the diversification of international economic ties.
Cooperation with the United Arab Emirates has expanded in energy and advanced technologies. In 2026, the leaders of the two countries discussed renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainable development and food security, as well as the implementation of existing bilateral agreements.
Indonesia also took part in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2026. During the meeting, Prabowo emphasised industrialisation, deeper processing of natural resources, digital technologies, research and human capital development as important areas for strengthening the resilience of emerging economies. Indonesia has linked its participation in BRICS with broader efforts to strengthen cooperation among countries of the Global South.
Since taking office, Prabowo Subianto has continued to combine Indonesia’s participation in ASEAN with deeper engagement in BRICS and other multilateral formats, while expanding bilateral cooperation with major partners in Asia, Eurasia, the Middle East and Latin America.