President Lee Jae-myung held talks with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, discussing energy security and agreeing to expand cooperation in areas such as critical minerals and technology, Lee’s office said.
The summit talks yesterday followed a welcome ceremony at the presidential Blue House in Seoul.
Lee said energy security had become a growing concern amid the global uncertainty triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.
“We view Indonesia’s stable role in supplying key energy resources such as LNG and coal as very reassuring,” Lee said in a statement, calling for closer cooperation on energy supply and resource security.
Indonesia is the world’s largest exporter of thermal coal, while South Korea has been among the five biggest importers of the fuel in recent years, according to Korean government data.
South Korea also imported about 2.1 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas from Indonesia in 2025, data showed.
Prabowo arrived in Seoul from Japan where Jakarta agreed to step up coordination with Tokyo on energy security.
He described South Korea and Indonesia as natural partners with “complementary roles”, pointing to South Korea’s industrial and technological strengths and Indonesia’s abundant resources and large market.
South Korea’s exports to Indonesia stood at US$7bil (RM28bil) in 2025, while imports were US$11.3bil (RM45.7bil), trade data showed.
Lee and Prabowo also oversaw the signing of multiple preliminary agreements, including support for projects in renewable energy and data centres as the countries elevate their ties into a strategic partnership.
Lee is also set to award Prabowo South Korea’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, during the state visit, the presidential office said. — Reuters
