Indonesia, South Korea Accelerate Strategic Partnership, Focusing on Defence and Investment

Accelerating the implementation of the Special Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and South Korea was the main focus of a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Sugiono and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting/Post Ministerial Conferences (AMM/PMC) in Manila, Philippines, on 22 July. “Indonesia is ready to continue working closely with the Republic of Korea to produce concrete cooperation,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Saturday, 25 July 2026. In addition to discussing the follow-up to the Indonesian President’s visit to South Korea last April, both ministers agreed to accelerate the implementation of various commitments agreed upon by the two leaders, particularly through strengthening cooperation in the fields of defence, energy, and investment. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun specifically affirmed his commitment to encouraging investment by South Korean companies in the construction of a shipyard in Indonesia, which will support the building of large and medium-sized commercial vessels and strengthen Indonesia’s maritime industry. The two ministers exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues, including the situations in Iran and the Korean Peninsula. Minister Cho Hyun expressed support for Indonesia to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation efforts and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Iran. Support for strengthening multilateralism and a rules-based international order was also raised during the meeting. The bilateral meeting reflects the commitment of Indonesia and South Korea to continue strengthening a strategic partnership that is increasingly substantive and contributes to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.