President Lee: "Korea and Indonesia to Expand Cooperation in AI, Defense Industry, and Key Minerals"

Media Interview Ahead of Korea-Indonesia Summit Tomorrow
"KF-21 Joint Development Sets a Global Example,
Expecting Expansion into Various Fields Including Naval Vessels"
"Korea Provides Technology, Indonesia Offers Resources... Win-Win Is Possible"

President Lee Jaemyung announced on March 31 that, on the occasion of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Korea, he plans to significantly expand Korea-Indonesia cooperation from a focus on trade and investment to future growth sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, defense industry, key minerals, shipbuilding, nuclear power, and cultural industries. He specifically mentioned the joint development of the 'KF-21' fighter jet as an example, expressing hope that cooperation would expand into various areas including naval vessels and air defense systems.

Yonhap News Agency

In a written interview released on March 31 by the Indonesian daily Kompas, President Lee stated, "President Prabowo’s state visit to Korea will serve as a new milestone that designs the next decade of bilateral relations, with a mid- to long-term cooperation roadmap to be announced by both countries." This interview was conducted ahead of the scheduled summit meeting with the Indonesian president on April 1.

President Lee first observed that Korea and Indonesia’s strategic value is becoming even greater amid rising global geopolitical tensions, increasing protectionism, and supply chain restructuring. He assessed that Korea, as a key axis in Northeast Asia, and Indonesia, as a key axis in Southeast Asia, share the values of democracy, a rules-based international order, and free trade, making them important partners in leading multilateralism and regional cooperation.

Regarding economic cooperation, he identified the Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which took effect in January 2023, as a decisive catalyst for bilateral cooperation. President Lee said, "The two countries have a complementary economic partnership," explaining that if Korea’s advanced technology and economic development experience are combined with Indonesia’s abundant human and natural resources, it can become a ‘win-win’ model that benefits both nations.

He particularly proposed AI and digital technology, energy transition, and the content and cultural sectors as new pillars of cooperation. President Lee stated, "The two countries will declare a ‘Global AI Basic Society Alliance’ based on a shared vision for an ‘AI Basic Society’," and added that this initiative could be expanded to the Asia-Pacific region in the future.

On defense industry cooperation, he described the joint KF-21 development as a global model for international defense collaboration. President Lee said, "Jointly developing and supplying weapon systems with allied nations and sharing supply chains can lower development costs and unit production prices, while also improving efficiency in operation and maintenance." He expressed hope that this experience would lead to expanded cooperation in areas such as naval vessels and air defense systems.

He also emphasized cooperation in key minerals and battery supply chains. President Lee noted that Indonesia, which possesses key minerals such as nickel, and Korea, with advanced manufacturing capabilities in areas like electric vehicle batteries, are optimal partners. He explained that Korean companies are already expanding practical cooperation, including developing local nickel mines, building smelters, and mass-producing battery plants. President Lee said, "The Republic of Korea is truly the optimal partner for realizing the ‘2045 Golden Indonesia Vision,’" adding, "Based on the deep friendship and trust between our peoples, we will forge a more balanced and future-oriented partnership."

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