Prabowo: Indonesia and South Korea are Middle Power Nations

President Prabowo Subianto discussed the concept of middle power nations during his state visit to the Republic of Korea. The term middle power refers to countries with moderate economic and military capacities, not classified as superpowers.

In the presence of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Prabowo stated that Indonesia and South Korea are middle power nations with shared concerns. “Both of us need stability and both of us need peace,” Prabowo said at the Presidential Palace in Seoul on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, as quoted from a video statement by the Presidential Secretariat.

He added that to achieve peace and stability, both countries must also have strong security and defence.

According to Prabowo, his visit to the Land of Ginseng is taking place amid a global situation filled with uncertainty and danger. Therefore, Prabowo said, strengthening bilateral relations between countries is becoming increasingly important.

Prabowo emphasised that his first state visit to South Korea reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the established partnership. “I consider Korea a close friend of Indonesia and I want to enhance this cooperation,” Prabowo said.

He highlighted that long-term relations between countries are inseparable from various dynamics, including potential differences in perspectives. Nevertheless, he assessed that openness and honesty are key to maintaining constructive relations.

According to the Chairman of the Gerindra Party, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea have common interests, particularly as nations in the Pacific region oriented towards trade. “We need good relations for the economic welfare of both our countries, and perhaps we have complementary roles,” he said.

Prabowo opined that South Korea’s progress in industry, science, and technology can synergise with Indonesia’s strengths in abundant natural resources and a large domestic market.