Indonesian President: "President Lee Asked About Visiting North Korea in April"... Blue House: "Continued Pursuit of Cooperation"

Prabowo Reveals Details of Conversation with President Lee
"I Responded That I Would Gladly Go If There Was an Official Request"
Blue House: "Countries Like Indonesia Can Play a Constructive Role for Peace on the Korean Peninsula"

A Blue House official stated on August 1 that when the President of Indonesia paid a state visit to South Korea in April, President Lee Jae-myung asked him to visit North Korea, to which he responded positively. The official added, "The government believes that countries with friendly relations with both South and North Korea, including Indonesia, can play a constructive role in realizing peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, and we have been continuously seeking ways to cooperate on this."

President Lee Jae-myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shake hands on April 1 at the Blue House ahead of an expanded summit. 2026.4.1 Yonhap News Agency

According to Tempo, an Indonesian weekly, and Reuters, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia said at a meeting with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the presidential palace the previous day, "During my recent visit to South Korea, the Korean president asked if I could visit North Korea and initiate some form of dialogue." He added, "I replied that if the Korean government made an official request for me to visit North Korea, I would do so gladly and with respect."

In response, the Blue House explained, "During the South Korea–Indonesia summit on April 1, the Blue House briefed, 'President Lee explained our government's policies for peaceful coexistence and joint growth on the Korean Peninsula, as well as efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue, and requested Indonesia's constructive role. President Prabowo reaffirmed his support for denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula.'"

President Prabowo evaluated President Lee's question as a sign of trust in Indonesia's diplomatic policy, which emphasizes independence and neutrality in international affairs. He added that Indonesia does not intend to join any particular military alliance, and thus can cooperate with countries that have differing interests. He went on to say, "We strive to improve our relations and promote reconciliation with all neighboring countries," and, "We are working to propose approaches for engagement."

Previously, President Prabowo paid a state visit to South Korea in April and held a summit meeting with President Lee at the Blue House. The two leaders agreed to elevate the 'special strategic partnership' established in 2017 to a 'special comprehensive strategic partnership,' strengthening cooperation in areas including defense and energy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.