Vladivostok, Russia, ABIM (10/9/2026) — Head of the Oil and Gas Technology Research and Development Center (LEMIGAS) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Muhammad Iksan Kiat, played a role in President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Vladivostok, Russian Federation, to attend the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). During the visit, Iksan Kiat was entrusted with assisting in interpreting communications for President Prabowo Subianto during his bilateral meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
Iksan Kiat’s involvement in this role is closely related to his strong background and long-standing connection with Russia. For many years, he pursued his education and developed academic and professional experience in the country.
He completed his undergraduate studies at Northern (Arctic) Federal University and subsequently pursued two master’s degree programs at Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas in Moscow. All three academic degrees are reported to have been completed with Summa Cum Laude honors.
This educational background equipped him with strong proficiency in the Russian language, an understanding of Russian culture and communication styles, as well as expertise in the oil and gas sector.
Iksan Kiat’s experience in supporting President Prabowo’s high-level communications is also not his first. Previously, Iksan was entrusted to serve as an official interpreter during President Prabowo Subianto’s state meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on July 2, 2026.
This experience further strengthened his capacity to support the President of the Republic of Indonesia in communicating with foreign heads of state, particularly in the context of Indonesia’s relations with countries in Eastern Europe and the Eurasian region.
Iksan’s experience in Russia has not been limited to academic activities. Prior to pursuing higher education, he participated in Russian language and cultural preparation programs. During his time in Russia, Iksan also gained experience in academic, research, and professional environments related to the oil and gas sector.
These experiences have given him a comprehensive understanding of the Russian language, culture, professional environment, and technical terminology used in Russia’s energy sector.
This background became particularly relevant when Iksan was entrusted with assisting in interpreting President Prabowo’s communications during his meeting with President Vladimir Putin. At the highest level of diplomatic communication, interpreting requires more than simply translating words. It also requires an understanding of context, terminology, cultural nuances, and the substance of the discussion to ensure that the intended messages are conveyed accurately and effectively by both sides.
The bilateral meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Vladimir Putin took place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, on the sidelines of the 11th EEF and was held in a working lunch format.
The meeting represented an important momentum for strengthening the strategic relationship between Indonesia and Russia, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, investment, energy, and other areas of bilateral cooperation.
A Warm Welcome from Vladimir Putin
In his opening remarks, President Vladimir Putin welcomed President Prabowo to Vladivostok. President Putin noted that the intensity of communication and direct meetings between the two leaders reflected the close strategic relationship between Russia and Indonesia.
“Your Excellency, Mr. President, allow me to welcome you to the city of Vladivostok. Today’s meeting is our second meeting this year. And our personal contacts reflect the strategic nature of bilateral relations between Russia and Indonesia,” President Putin said.
President Putin also expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s attendance as the main guest of honor at the 11th EEF.
On the same occasion, President Prabowo conveyed his congratulations on the National Day of the Russian Federation on June 12, 2026, as well as the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit held on June 18, 2026.
President Prabowo also expressed his apologies for being unable to attend both occasions in person.
“I sincerely apologize for not being able to attend these important events because of domestic matters that I could not leave,” President Prabowo said.
President Prabowo’s presence in Vladivostok was part of Indonesia’s participation in the 11th Eastern Economic Forum, where Indonesia attended as the main guest of honor.
The forum served as a strategic platform for Indonesia to expand economic and investment cooperation with Russia and countries across the Eurasian region, including in the energy sector.
The involvement of the Head of LEMIGAS in the agenda also demonstrates that LEMIGAS not only plays a strategic role in the development of Indonesia’s national oil and gas sector, but can also contribute to international cooperation and diplomacy in the field of energy.
Iksan Kiat’s experience studying and working in Russia has become a relevant asset in supporting communication and building a bridge of mutual understanding between Indonesia and Russia.
Putin Congratulates Iksan Kiat
An interesting moment also occurred during the series of events at the 11th EEF when Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia delivered a presentation on Indonesia-Russia energy cooperation.
Following the presentation by the Russian Minister of Energy, Bahlil also highlighted LEMIGAS’s role in the trial shipment of crude oil from Russia to Indonesia.
On the occasion, Bahlil explained that LEMIGAS had been assigned the task with the authorization of President Prabowo Subianto and was led by a young Indonesian official with an educational background in Russia, namely Iksan Kiat.
“As stated by the Russian Minister of Energy, LEMIGAS is known to have successfully carried out a trial shipment of crude oil. I established this institution with the authorization of the President, and it is headed by a young man who graduated with undergraduate and master’s degrees in Russia and who happens to be our interpreter at this distinguished forum,” Minister Bahlil said.
The statement immediately drew a response from President Vladimir Putin. Smiling, President Putin congratulated Iksan Kiat, who was present at the forum as President Prabowo’s interpreter.
“I would like to congratulate that young man. Congratulations!” President Putin said.
(ABIM)
