Prabowo to President Lee Jae Myung: I Consider Korea a Close Friend of Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Presidential Palace Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House). During the meeting, the two agreed to expand cooperation in various sectors.

Prabowo emphasised that his first state visit to South Korea holds strategic significance. This visit also reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the close partnership that has long been established.

“For me, this first state visit is very important. I consider Korea a close friend of Indonesia, and I want to enhance this cooperation,” Prabowo stated, as quoted from the Presidential Secretariat Bureau’s press release on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

Prabowo also highlighted that long-term relations between countries are inseparable from dynamics, including potential differences in perspectives. However, openness and honesty are key to maintaining constructive relations.

Prabowo stressed that Indonesia and South Korea share strong common interests, particularly as nations in the Pacific region and as trade-oriented countries. According to him, the two nations have the potential to complement each other in various strategic sectors.

“We are both Pacific nations. We are both trading nations. We need good relations for the economic welfare of both our countries, and perhaps we have complementary roles,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Prabowo assessed that South Korea’s rapid progress in industry, science, and technology can synergise with Indonesia’s strengths in abundant natural resources. Beyond economic aspects, Prabowo also emphasised the importance of cooperation in maintaining stability and peace, especially amid increasing global uncertainties.

“My state visit here takes place amid a world situation full of uncertainties and dangers. Therefore, relations between countries like Indonesia and the Republic of Korea become increasingly important,” he said.

Furthermore, Prabowo expressed his hope to elevate the special strategic partnership between Indonesia and South Korea. He encouraged ministers from both countries to immediately work towards realising the enhancement of that cooperation.

“Let us ask our ministers to strive to realise this higher role,” Prabowo stated.