President Lee Jae-myung Considers Indonesia South Korea's Highest-Level Partner
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEOUL – South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has urged an enhancement of bilateral relations between South Korea and Indonesia to a special comprehensive strategic partnership. He conveyed this during a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) presidential palace in Seoul on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
“On behalf of the Korean people, I welcome the state visit of His Excellency President Prabowo to Korea,” stated President Lee.
He noted that at the previous summit, both countries had committed to elevating their bilateral relations to the highest level. Furthermore, Lee emphasised that President Prabowo’s current state visit represents a crucial opportunity to achieve historic milestones by upgrading the relationship to a special comprehensive strategic partnership.
“In our last meeting, we committed to raising bilateral relations to the highest level. On this occasion of President Prabowo’s state visit to Korea, it is highly significant that we will achieve historic results by elevating our bilateral relations to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, and the Republic of Korea has only one such relationship with any country in the world,” said Lee.
Additionally, Lee remarked that the two countries hold special significance for each other and complement one another in various strategic sectors. He described Indonesia as a primary partner for investment and industrial development. Lee also highlighted successful concrete collaborations, including the development of electric vehicles as a symbol of the two countries’ future cooperation.
“Indonesia is the first destination for Korean corporate investments and a valuable partner that has helped realise Korea’s defence industry. Moreover, Indonesia’s first electric vehicle was also produced in collaboration with Korean companies,” said Lee.
According to Lee, the two countries have taken strong initial steps in various sectors of cooperation and continue to expand their partnership. He is optimistic that South Korea and Indonesia can create more future projects that deliver tangible benefits to the people of both nations.
“For more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we have been trusted friends and valuable partners on our shared journey, guiding and supporting each other based on our respective strengths, wisdom, and trust. Amid global uncertainties and various challenges, Korea and Indonesia are a blessing to one another,” said Lee.