Prabowo's 'Anabul' Diplomacy Stuns Korea, Featuring This Gift

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, delivered an unexpected surprise during his state visit to the Republic of Korea on Wednesday (01/04/2026). The head of state presented a special gift in the form of clothing for the pet dog of the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung.

Quoting a written statement from Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya on Thursday (02/04/2026), the moment of giving the gift to the pet animal became the main highlight amid the official state agenda. Wijaya explained that this surprise was part of the personal diplomacy style championed by President Prabowo.

“President Prabowo also gave a cute surprise that successfully shocked President Lee: a gift of clothes for his pet dog,” Teddy revealed.

The surprise became even more unique due to an unintentional similarity in names between the pets of the two leaders. It turned out that President Lee’s pet dog was also named Bobby, the same as the popular pet cat of President Prabowo.

“The plot twist is that President Lee’s pet dog is also named Bobby. The power of Anabul diplomacy is truly unmatched, isn’t it?” said Teddy.

This interaction surrounding pets adds to the record of unique diplomacy by President Prabowo, considering that his cat named Bobby had previously attracted international attention. In May 2025, Bobby the cat received a gift from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the form of a red cloth scarf inscribed with “Australia loves Indonesia”.

The step of giving a gift for President Lee’s pet dog is seen as a humanistic approach that can build emotional closeness between leaders. Wijaya emphasised that modern diplomacy today is not only built through numbers but also through sincere personal touches.

“Diplomacy is not just about meetings and official agendas, but how personal relationships between leaders can be established and leave a good impression in the heart,” Teddy stated.