Prabowo Calls Indonesia, South Korea Fellow Middle Powers
Prabowo Calls Indonesia, South Korea Fellow Middle Powers
Reporter
April 1, 2026 | 10:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto discussed the concept of middle power during his state visit to South Korea, describing it as a category for countries with moderate economic and military capacity that are not classified as superpowers.
Speaking before President Lee Jae-myung at the Republic of Korea Presidential Palace, Prabowo noted that both Indonesia and South Korea share similar concerns as middle power nations.
“And I believe that as middle powers, we share the same concerns. Both of us need stability and both of us need peace,” he said, as cited in a statement from the Presidential Secretariat. He added that achieving peace and stability requires strong security and defense capabilities.
Prabowo emphasized that his visit to the Land of Ginseng comes amid a globally uncertain and potentially dangerous situation. As such, he stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between nations.
He also underlined that his inaugural state visit to South Korea signals Indonesia’s commitment to deepening the partnership. “I consider Korea a close friend of Indonesia, and I want to enhance this cooperation,” Prabowo said.
The Indonesian leader highlighted that long-term relations between countries inevitably involve various dynamics, including differences in perspective. Nevertheless, he asserted that openness and honesty remain essential to sustaining constructive ties.
According to the Gerindra Party chair, Indonesia and South Korea share common interests, particularly as trade-oriented countries in the Pacific region.
“We need strong relations for the economic prosperity of both our countries, and we may have complementary roles,” he explained.
Prabowo also expressed optimism that South Korea’s advancements in industry, science, and technology could complement Indonesia’s strengths, including its abundant natural resources and large domestic market.
Read: Indonesia’s Prabowo Receives South Korea’s Highest State Honor
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