Indonesia–South Korea Relations under Prabowo
December 25, 2024
Indonesia’s newly inaugurated president, Prabowo Subianto, assumed office on October 20, 2024, succeeding President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi. For South Korea, Indonesia remains an important partner across multiple sectors, including trade, defense, and human resources, with a significant Indonesian community living and working in South Korea. For Indonesia, South Korea serves as a role model for national advancement. Jokowi often highlighted how, in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, South Korea’s situation was comparable to Indonesia’s at the time. However, South Korea’s rapid development has since outpaced Indonesia, offering valuable lessons.
Historically, Indonesia and South Korea established official diplomatic relations in 1973, marked by Indonesia’s opening of an embassy in Seoul. Prior to that, Indonesia had opened a consulate in Seoul in 1966. The collaboration between the two nations gained significant momentum following President Suharto’s inaugural visit to Seoul in 1982. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023, both countries expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation, culminating in the signing of the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (IK-CSP) in January 2023.
At present, three critical areas stand out in the Indonesia-South Korea relationship: Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea, defense cooperation, and green economy initiatives, alongside other investments. Regarding migrant workers, Indonesia has sent laborers to South Korea since 1987, coinciding with South Korea’s economic boom. Government-to-government cooperation has expanded through programs like the Industrial and Technical Training Program (ITTP). In 2023 alone, approximately 12,000 Indonesian workers were sent to South Korea. Indonesian businesses, such as restaurants and stores across South Korea, reflect the comfortable living conditions enjoyed by these workers, who contribute not only to Indonesia's foreign remittance but also to the welfare of their families back home.
In defense, cooperation has strengthened with joint projects such as the DSME 209/1400 submarine, the T50 trainer jet, and the KFX/IFX fighter aircraft. Additional collaborative forums, including the Defense Industry Cooperation Committee (DICC) of the Republic of Indonesia and Republic of Korea, Foreign and Defense Senior Officials Meeting, Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC), and the MoU on U.N. Peacekeeping Operations between the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces (ROKAF), demonstrate the robustness of their partnership across various dimensions. Indonesia’s eagerness to strengthen this cooperation stems from Korea’s expertise in technology, innovation, and human resources—key areas for Indonesia’s development.
A third pillar of cooperation involves green economy initiatives and climate change. Carbon reduction and carbon trading are crucial areas for joint efforts, with South Korea playing a potentially pivotal role in supporting Indonesia’s plans to develop its new capital, Nusantara, into a sustainable smart city and a catalyst for economic growth.
While these collaborations were shaped by Jokowi’s leadership, what can be expected under Prabowo’s presidency? Several perspectives warrant consideration:
For Indonesian migrant workers, South Korea remains an attractive destination, offering competitive wages and favorable working conditions. To support these workers, the newly established Ministry of Migrant Workers' Protection, headed by Minister Abdul Kadir Karding, is now tasked with ensuring their welfare and security. This ministry, which evolved from the former BP2MI agency, has been upgraded to a full ministry, underscoring its strategic importance. Many Indonesian workers have expressed satisfaction with the support received during Jokowi’s administration, and the South Korean government has provided valuable assistance. Under Prabowo’s leadership, this newly structured ministry is expected to build on previous efforts, enhancing its capacity to support migrant workers in South Korea.
Defense cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea has previously encountered obstacles, primarily stemming from communication challenges and occasional mutual distrust. However, with Prabowo’s background as a former Minister of Defense, there is hope that these issues can now be managed more effectively, paving the way for stronger, more transparent collaboration. Given the substantial resources and market opportunities on both sides, the potential for expanding defense cooperation is significant, promising mutual benefits in security, technology, and innovation.
South Korean investment in Indonesia is another key area of focus. In 2023, South Korea ranked as the seventh largest foreign investor in Indonesia, with investments reaching USD 2.5 billion. The economic partnership has shown significant growth, with bilateral trade totaling USD 20.8 billion in 2023. Through the Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), both nations have targeted sectors for development, including electric vehicles, where South Korea has a prominent role. Hyundai’s electric vehicles, for example, have become increasingly popular in Indonesia, symbolizing the strength of this partnership. Additionally, digital trade and e-commerce have emerged as crucial areas for collaboration, with South Korea supporting Indonesia’s vision for a digitally connected economy.
At the people-to-people level, there appear to be minimal barriers, as multiple channels facilitate mutual cultural exchange. Indonesians have embraced K-pop and the broader “Hallyu” wave, while South Koreans are increasingly familiar with Indonesian culture, including its food and traditions introduced by migrant workers. South Korean tourists are among the largest groups visiting Indonesia, while Indonesian visitors to South Korea reached the top ten in 2023. Recently, Jeju Air launched a Batam–Jeju route, adding another direct connection between Indonesian and Korean cities. Thus, a visa-free travel arrangement for Indonesian tourists to South Korea is worth consideration, although it may face several challenges.
Indeed, the attendance of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the President Prabowo’s inauguration underscores the urgency of strengthening Indonesia – South Korea relations amid global uncertainties and escalating conflicts. This high-level representation reflects South Korea’s commitment to the partnership, signaling that both nations view their relationship as essential not only for economic growth but also for regional stability and security.