President Lee Presents Gukgung Bow Set and Martial Arts Book to Indonesian President on State Visit... Indonesia Responds with Bali Kris Dagger

President Lee Jaemyung will present a traditional Korean archery bow set and the English edition of the "Muyedobotongji," a comprehensive martial arts manual from the Joseon Dynasty, to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his state visit to Korea. The Indonesian side will reciprocate by gifting President Lee a traditional Bali Kris dagger, a carved Bali nameplate, a ceramic jar, and a set of pet accessories.

Order of Mugunghwa

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According to the Office of the President on April 1, President Lee has also decided to bestow the Order of Mugunghwa upon President Prabowo to provide the highest level of hospitality during this state visit. However, instead of holding a separate award ceremony, the honor will be displayed alongside the gifts. The Office of the President explained that the decision to confer the order was based on President Prabowo’s contributions to tangible Korea-Indonesia cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, artificial intelligence (AI), culture and creative industries, and defense.

Among the gifts presented by President Lee, the traditional Korean archery bow set stands out. Crafted by master bowmaker Kwon Moosuk, holder of Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 23, the set includes a “Gallaesal” arrow, traditionally used by Korean ancestors for hunting large game. This gift conveys a wish for President Prabowo to achieve significant accomplishments as he pursues great goals.

Traditional Korean Archery Bow Set

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Another notable gift is the English edition of the "Muyedobotongji," published by the American martial arts specialist press Turtle Press, along with the Korean commentary edition of the same work. The Office of the President explained that these selections reflect President Prabowo’s military background-he is a graduate of the military academy, has served as special forces commander and minister of defense-and his interest in martial arts and history.

The Indonesian delegation also responded with highly symbolic gifts. The centerpiece is the Bali Kris, a traditional dagger crafted by skilled Bali artisans who combined wood and silver, with the entire piece gold-plated and adorned with ruby gemstones. According to the Indonesian side, the dagger features the “Beras Uta” wave motif, symbolizing power and prosperity.

Bali Kris (Dagger)

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Also included among the gifts are a carved Bali nameplate featuring the Garuda, emblematic of the King of Eagles; a ceramic jar decorated with traditional batik patterns from the northern coastal regions of Cirebon and Pekalongan in Java; and a pet accessories set consisting of clothing, a scarf, and a leash.

The menu for the state luncheon was designed to blend the culinary cultures of both countries. As appetizers, glutinous rice chips and red yeast rice chips made with Korean ingredients were prepared to represent the colors of the Indonesian flag, accompanied by Indonesian dates and Korea’s traditional tangpyeongchae.

The first course, “Five Delicacies Cold Platter,” features unique Korean-style cold dishes such as assorted wraps, stuffed cucumber, yam salmon wraps, and scallop and green onion sashimi, along with Indonesia’s signature salad, gado-gado. The main course includes steamed Jeju tilefish with sambal sauce, stir-fried morning glory, grilled abalone and halal beef tenderloin with soy sauce, and warm vegetables. The Office of the President noted that, in consideration of President Prabowo’s Islamic faith, pork and alcohol were excluded and halal beef tenderloin was used. For soup, a soybean paste soup with wild chive and shepherd’s purse, using seasonal spring ingredients, was served. Dessert included fruit, milk pudding, Korean sweet rice balls, and Indonesian Mandheling coffee.

The welcome kit placed in President Prabowo’s accommodation also highlighted the number “8,” marking his status as Indonesia’s 8th president. It featured a commemorative cake shaped like the number eight with both nations’ flags, a set of eight types of traditional Korean sweets and rice cakes in an octagonal box, an arrangement of eight kinds of flowers in blue and white-President Prabowo’s preferred colors-and a set of eight fruits including papaya, melon, Korean melon, pear, apple, apple mango, and avocado. The Office of the President explained, “The gifts, luncheon, and welcome kit for this state visit all incorporate the traditions and symbols of both countries, highlighting the meaning of friendship and cooperation.”

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