Jakarta, Sept. 3 -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on Thursday that the Pacific Ocean must serve as a bridge between Indonesia and Russia rather than a barrier, as he called for closer economic ties between the two countries.

Prabowo was speaking as the main guest of honour at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok.

"The Pacific does not separate us. The Pacific connects us. The Pacific is not a wall between us. The Pacific is a highway for both of our economies," he said.

According to the president, Vladivostok also feels relatively close to home because both Russia and Indonesia have territories bordering the Pacific Ocean.

"However, Vladivostok also feels relatively close to my ho...