President Lee Jae-myung on the 1st met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who made his first state visit to Korea, and said, “Indonesia was the first overseas investment destination for Korean corporations, and today it is a valued partner in K-defense.” As Indonesia is participating as a co-developer of the Korean-style supersonic fighter KF-21, the remarks appear 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, “As global uncertainty grows, the existence of our two countries is a blessing to each other,” adding, “We feel very reassured that Indonesia plays 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 peoples of both countries.” He went on to say, offering condolences over a recent explosion in Lebanon that claimed the life of an Indonesian United Nations peacekeeper, “I express my deep condolences.”
Prabowo said, “Korea has outstanding industrial capabilities 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 we also have in common the need for strong security and defense to achieve them.” He added, “It is an unfortunate situation that global uncertainty is rising, but that is why our bilateral relationship matters more,” and said, “We should further grow our relationship. As friends, we can communicate and cooperate, and approach each other frankly with an open mind.”
At the summit, 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.
It was also reported that the talks included discussions related to defense exports such as the KF-21. Earlier, in an interview with Indonesian media, Lee said, “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 conferring the Grand Order of Mugunghwa… second after Trump
President Lee Jae-myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto make a toast at the state visit welcome luncheon at the Blue House on the 1st. /Courtesy of News1
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 refers to a close and special relationship that is inseparable and has greater meaning when together,” adding, “I think it is exactly the right phrase for our bilateral relationship.”
Prabowo responded, “I respect the discipline, hard-working attitude, and will to overcome hardships that the Republic of Korea demonstrates,” adding, “The Korean proverb ‘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 conferred the Grand Order of Mugunghwa on President Prabowo and presented gifts including a traditional archery bow set. The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest order that can be awarded to 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 a friendly nation and the spouse when there are clear merits for contributions to national development and strengthening bilateral friendship. This is the second time Lee has conferred the Grand Order of Mugunghwa on a foreign head of state, following U.S. President Donald Trump in Oct. last year.
Originally written by: Lee Seul-ki
Source: ChosunBiz
Published on: 1 April 2026
Link to original article: Lee, Prabowo elevate Korea-Indonesia ties and advance K-defense, AI deals
