President Lee Jae-myung stressed that "Korea and Indonesia must take the lead in gradually pioneering a path toward peace and prosperity through mutual cooperation."
In a written interview with Indonesian daily Kompas published on May 31, Lee said, "Korea's advanced technology and economic development experience, combined with Indonesia's human and natural resources, will lead to win-win economic cooperation." The interview was conducted ahead of a summit with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto scheduled for July 1.
Lee first assessed the rapidly changing international landscape — including eroding global norms, expanding protectionism, and supply chain realignment — saying, "The world is facing complex and multi-layered crises." He added, "Paradoxically, in such times of crisis, the roles of Korea and Indonesia will shine even more." He went on to say that "the two countries can reduce dependence on specific markets and pursue diversification of their economic structures."
"Furthermore, as middle powers, both countries must continue playing a role in promoting multilateralism and free trade by utilizing existing cooperation frameworks such as Korea-ASEAN, the Group of 20 (G20), and MIKTA," Lee said.
On specific bilateral economic cooperation, Lee said, "The Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which took effect in 2023, is the key catalyst for strengthening complementary economic cooperation between the two countries." He added, "A foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two governments and businesses has been established across various fields including industrial development, workforce training, and infrastructure construction."
Lee also said, "Based on a shared understanding of an 'AI basic society,' the two countries will declare a 'Global AI Basic Society Alliance' to jointly build an AI ecosystem." He noted, "This alliance, which both countries will launch for the first time, will gradually expand to Asia-Pacific nations."
Regarding defense industry cooperation, Lee praised the joint development of next-generation fighter jets, calling it "a global model." He said, "Through cooperation with allies, we can build a more efficient foundation for self-reliant national defense." Noting that other countries have shown interest in the bilateral defense cooperation achievements, he urged, "I hope this successful experience will serve as an opportunity to expand defense cooperation into various areas including naval vessels and air defense weapons."
On supply chain cooperation, Lee said, "The two countries are forming a 'complementary economic cooperation relationship' that combines resources and technology." He explained, "Indonesia possesses key mineral resources such as nickel, while Korea has innovation capabilities in advanced industries like electric vehicle batteries, making the two countries optimal partners." He cited examples including LX International's nickel mine development, EcoPro's nickel smelter construction, and mass production at the electric vehicle battery plant by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution.
"I hope both countries will expand cooperation into various fields including AI, digital technology, and energy as key partners in building future industrial supply chains, so that bilateral relations develop in a more balanced and future-oriented direction," Lee said.