×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.

Indonesian President Surprises Putin with Birthday Serenade

Yudhoyono (right) performing an impromptu "Happy Birthday" to Putin at lunch.

President Vladimir Putin's 61st birthday promised to be all work and no play with the president bound by "a schedule that leaves no room for celebrations," his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

But Putin's birthday on Monday did not escape the attention of his colleagues at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono surprised Putin and 19 other world leaders during lunch with a serenade for Russia's leader.

"I'm sorry, I hadn't realized that [Putin's] birthday was today," Yudhoyono said as the political leaders were getting ready to have lunch. "As soon as Mr. President [Putin] arrived I should have sung a song."

Yudhoyono then took to the stage and performed "Happy Birthday" on his guitar.

Putin was also handed a birthday cake by deputy chairman of the summit's organizing committee and given a bottle of sake by Japanese President Shinzo Abe.

"I thank President Yudhoyono for the birthday wish and it was a pleasant surprise," Putin said following the performance.

The Indonesian president is no stranger to the stage, having released three albums of love songs during his time in office.

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more