From its highest state honor to a symbolism-rich welcome, Seoul unfurls ornate display of diplomatic tribute for Prabowo
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung used a state luncheon for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday to showcase the breadth of Korea-Indonesia ties, with business heavyweights in attendance.
Lee stepped up to the podium to deliver welcoming remarks and a toast, expressing “deep gratitude” for Prabowo’s warm support for South Korean businesses.
“Thanks to your support, I believe more Korean companies will expand into strategic industries that underpin Indonesia's ‘Golden Vision,’ becoming a key driver of our shared prosperity,” Lee said.
“Just as our two countries have opened the skies together through the successful joint development of fighter jets, I hope we will further strengthen cooperation in shipbuilding and rise together as leading global maritime powers,” he added.
Lee also expressed hope for more active strategic investment cooperation through Danantara, Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, which he described as having grown into a fund of global scale.
“Our two countries are also ideal partners in tackling the defining task of the era: the transition to AI,” Lee said. “Based on the partnership established this time, we will strengthen cooperation linking Indonesia’s big data with South Korea’s AI technology and create synergies toward an AI-powered society.”
In his return toast, Prabowo described his summit with Lee as “highly productive and fruitful,” referring to the decision to elevate bilateral ties to a special comprehensive strategic partnership as well as several key agreements reached following the summit.
“This clearly demonstrates how firmly our two countries share a vision grounded in deep mutual trust,” Prabowo said. “I am convinced that the milestones we achieved today will deliver lasting benefits to the peoples of our two countries and further strengthen what we have already built together.”
The business delegation reflected the breadth of Korea’s economic interests in Indonesia, spanning finance, construction and infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, materials, electronics, batteries, shipbuilding, overseas development, and business advocacy.
Business elite attend state luncheon
Business leaders representing Korea's industries included Daewoo Engineering & Construction Chair Jung Won-ju; Chey Tae-won, chair of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SK Group chair; and Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group.
CJ Group Chair Sohn Kyung-shik, Doosan Group Chair Park Jeong-won, Amorepacific Chair Suh Kyung-bae, LG Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Kwon Bong-seok, and Samsung Electronics President Park Seung-hee were also among the 24 business leaders in attendance.
Officials from the Cabinet and the presidential office were also in attendance, along with lawmakers from both parties.
Senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung explained that "the state luncheon was designed around a menu that reflected respect for Indonesia’s religion and culture, while symbolizing harmony between the two countries."
“Through a Korean menu based on halal ingredients, complemented by sambal sauce, gado-gado salad and Mandheling coffee reflecting Indonesian preferences, we expressed the harmony between the two countries.”
Prabowo receives full state honors
Lee conferred the Grand Order of Mugunghwa — South Korea’s highest state honor — on Prabowo in recognition of his contributions to advancing bilateral ties and supporting Korean businesses operating in Indonesia.
In a separate statement, Cheong Wa Dae explained the award was intended to “express the highest level of respect in recognition of President Prabowo’s contributions to advancing Korea-Indonesia ties by helping generate tangible outcomes across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, AI, culture and creative industries, and defense.”
Following the luncheon, the two leaders attended a cultural program tailored to Prabowo’s personal interests.
As head of Indonesia’s pencak silat association and a known enthusiast of martial arts, he was presented with a performance by the Republic of Korea Army Taekwondo demonstration team on the lawn in front of Sangchunjae — the reception hall for foreign dignitaries, whose name means “a house where spring permanently resides,” Kang explained.
Symbolic touches extended to the gifts prepared for the visit.
Reflecting Prabowo’s background as a former commander of Indonesia’s special forces and defense minister, Seoul presented a traditional Korean archery set. In recognition of his well-known interest in history and military culture, the English edition of Muye Dobo Tongji, a martial arts manual from the Joseon Dynasty, was also presented, according to Kang.
Seoul accorded him full state honors during his first state visit to South Korea. As his motorcade entered the presidential compound, it was escorted by some 70 members of a traditional military band and honor guard, with around 180 personnel lined up for the ceremony.
At his accommodation, a welcome kit was arranged with personal touches: an “8”-shaped commemorative cake and a traditional Korean confection set in an octagonal box, both referencing the number eight, which Prabowo is known to favor.
dagyumji@heraldcorp.com
