Upon Arrival in Seoul, Prabowo to Meet President Lee Jae Myung
President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Prabowo is scheduled to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
According to the Presidential Secretariat Bureau, the Garuda Indonesia-1 aircraft carrying Prabowo landed at Seongnam Military Air Base on Tuesday (31/3/2026) at approximately 7:15 p.m. local time.
Upon arrival in Seoul, Prabowo received an official welcome through a honour ceremony. At the foot of the aircraft stairs, Prabowo was saluted by an honour guard consisting of 20 personnel. The welcoming procession was also enlivened by 21 cannon salvos as a mark of state honour.
After receiving the honour ceremony, Prabowo was greeted by the Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment of the Republic of Korea, Kim Sungwhan, the Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Korea to Indonesia, Yoon Soongu, and the Head of State Protocol of the Republic of Korea, Kim Tae-jin.
From the Indonesian side, the welcoming party included the Indonesian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Cecep Herawan, and the Indonesian Defence Attaché in Seoul, Colonel Pilot Muhammad Arif.
During his stay in Seoul, Prabowo is scheduled to undertake a series of state visits, including a welcoming ceremony by the President of the Republic of Korea at the Blue House.
Welcomed with Enthusiasm by the Diaspora
Upon arriving at the hotel where he is staying, Prabowo’s arrival was enthusiastically welcomed by Indonesian citizens living in South Korea.
Two Indonesian children dressed in traditional attire stood neatly and handed a bouquet of flowers to Prabowo as a welcome gesture. Prabowo received the flowers with a smile, appreciating the welcome given.
Khairul, a master’s student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), said he was proud to personally welcome Prabowo’s arrival. Khairul recounted that he also had a brief conversation with Prabowo, who encouraged him to complete his studies.
“He asked me where I was studying. Then he also encouraged me to complete my studies,” said Khairul.
Pujianti, a doctoral student at Seoul National University from East Nusa Tenggara, expressed similar sentiments, feeling proud to meet Prabowo in person. Pujianti hopes that relations between the two countries will open more educational opportunities, especially for students from eastern Indonesia.
“Honestly, I am very proud because I come from East Nusa Tenggara, which is very difficult to go to Jakarta to see the President. But I can meet the President where I am pursuing my studies. So I am very proud,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rima, an Indonesian expatriate who has long resided in South Korea, also expressed her emotion and joy. Rima hopes that Indonesia-Korea relations will become even closer and benefit the people of both countries.
“Since yesterday, I couldn’t sleep. It’s extraordinary. It’s an honour to be invited by the Indonesian Embassy to attend and welcome the President,” said Rima.
“I hope that the friendship between Indonesia and Korea will be further strengthened,” she added.