Indonesia, South Korea boost defense and investment cooperation

The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting/Post Ministerial Conferences (AMM/PMC) in Manila last week.

“Indonesia and the Republic of Korea remain committed to building a partnership that delivers concrete outcomes,” Minister Sugiono said in a statement issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

During the meeting, both ministers discussed follow-up actions related to the Indonesian President’s visit to South Korea last April. They also agreed to expedite the implementation of key commitments made by the leaders of both countries, particularly in the defense, energy, and investment sectors.

Minister Cho reiterated South Korea’s commitment to encouraging Korean companies to invest in shipyard development in Indonesia. The initiative is expected to support the construction of large and medium-sized commercial vessels while strengthening Indonesia’s domestic maritime industry.

Beyond bilateral economic and strategic ties, Sugiono and Cho exchanged views on various regional and global issues, including the situation in Iran and developments on the Korean Peninsula.

Minister Cho expressed support for Indonesia’s constructive role in promoting de-escalation efforts and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the situation in Iran. Both ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening multilateralism and upholding a rules-based international order.

The bilateral meeting underscores the mutual determination of Indonesia and South Korea to build a more substantive strategic partnership that contributes to regional peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the Foreign Ministry.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa