South Korea Elevates Relations with Indonesia to Unique Global Level
The governments of the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Korea have agreed to elevate cooperation between the two nations to a higher level amid global uncertainties. This was stated by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Blue House in Seoul on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
“And on the occasion of President Prabowo’s state visit to Korea, it is very meaningful that we will achieve historic results by elevating our bilateral relations to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, and the Republic of Korea only has one such relationship with any country in the world,” Lee said.
According to him, the two countries hold special significance for each other. He noted that Indonesia is a primary destination for investments from South Korean companies and has helped develop the defence industry in the Land of the Morning Calm. On the other hand, Lee said Indonesia has jointly produced its first electric vehicle with a South Korean company.
Furthermore, Lee also touched on the global uncertainty and various challenges faced by both countries, particularly in the context of events in the Middle East. However, he stated that the two nations can mitigate the impacts on each other, especially regarding energy stability.
“We feel very confident knowing that Indonesia stably supplies LNG and coal to South Korea. To minimise the impact of this crisis on our economies and societies, we need to expand cooperation between the two countries in energy supply stability and resource security,” he said.
On the same occasion, Prabowo assessed that Korea is a ‘close friend’ to Indonesia. Thus, he is also determined to elevate cooperation to a higher level.
“Of course, in every long-term relationship, there will always be ups and downs. There will sometimes be misunderstandings,” Prabowo said.
“However, as friends, we can collaborate, achieve consensus with honesty and openness. Even in one family, we can experience misunderstandings,” he added.
However, according to the Chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party, shared interests are the most important in relations between countries.
“The most important thing is the presence of shared interests between our two countries. As it is said, there are no eternal friends and no eternal enemies, only eternal interests,” Prabowo said.