President Lee Jae-myung met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who made his first state visit to Korea on the 1st, and said, "Indonesia was the first overseas investment destination for Korean corporations, and today it is a valuable partner in K-defense." As Indonesia is participating as a co-developer of the Korean supersonic fighter KF-21, the remark appears to anticipate active discussions on exporting the KF-21 to Indonesia during this visit.
At an expanded bilateral meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae that day, Lee said, "Amid growing global uncertainty, the existence of our two countries is a blessing to each other," adding, "We feel very reassured that Indonesia is playing a stable role in key energy sources such as LNG (liquefied natural gas) and coal." He also described Indonesia as a "trustworthy friend for more than 50 years since establishing diplomatic ties" and a "K-defense partner."
Lee said, "Korean corporations took part in Indonesia's first electric vehicle production," adding, "Based on our cooperation so far, President Prabowo and I seek to create more future projects that will bring greater benefits to the people of both countries." He then offered "deep condolences" over the death of an Indonesian United Nations peacekeeper in a recent explosion in Lebanon.
Prabowo said, "Korea has outstanding industrial capacity and science and technology, and Indonesia has abundant resources and a large market," adding, "As middle powers, we share the view that peace and stability are important, and that strong security and defense are needed to achieve them." He continued, "It is unfortunate that global uncertainty is rising, but that makes our bilateral relationship even more important," and said, "We should further grow our relationship. As friends, we can communicate, cooperate, and approach each other frankly and with an open mind."
Taking the summit as an opportunity, the two countries elevated their relationship to a "special comprehensive strategic partnership" and signed 16 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering artificial intelligence (AI), critical minerals, digital development, clean energy, carbon capture technology, and intellectual property protection. In particular, they exchanged a "Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation 2.0" to restart the Korea-Indonesia Economic Cooperation Committee, whose activities had been suspended since July 2023.
The talks also reportedly included discussions on defense exports such as the KF-21. Earlier, Lee said in an interview with Indonesian media that "the joint development of next-generation fighter jets by Korea and Indonesia is an international defense cooperation model that could serve as a global example."
◇ Serving "halal Korean food" and awarding the Grand Order of Mugunghwa… second after Trump
The state luncheon featured Korean dishes prepared with halal ingredients. In consideration of President Prabowo being a Muslim who avoids alcohol, the toast drink was replaced with apple juice. At the event, Lee said, "I heard there is an Indonesian proverb, 'bagai aur dengan tebing.' It is said to describe a close and special relationship that is inseparable and more meaningful when together," adding, "I think it is a perfect fit for our bilateral relationship."
Prabowo replied, "I respect the discipline, hard-working attitude, and determination to overcome difficulties that the Republic of Korea shows," adding, "The Korean saying 'If you go together, you go far' is also very meaningful to us. If we go together, we can go even farther."
Cheong Wa Dae said Lee awarded Prabowo the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and presented gifts including a set of traditional archery bows. The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest order that can be conferred on a citizen of the Republic of Korea under the Orders and Decorations Act; it is customarily awarded to the president of the Republic of Korea and the spouse, and may also be awarded to the head of state of a friendly nation and the spouse when they have clearly contributed to national development and to strengthening bilateral friendship. This is the second time Lee has awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa to a foreign head of state, following U.S. President Donald Trump in Oct. last year.