Indonesia's Prabowo willing to visit North Korea for dialogue at South Korea's request

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has agreed to visit North Korea to initiate a dialogue, responding to a request from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Prabowo conveyed his willingness during a meeting with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing Indonesia's commitment to maintaining equitable relations with all nations, including global powers like China and the United States.

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With all due respect and willingness, if you asked me to, I would go

"During my last visit to South Korea, their president asked me if I could visit North Korea to open some kind of a dialogue. I told him, ‘With all due respect and willingness, if you asked me to, I would go’,” Prabowo stated. He highlighted Indonesia's foreign policy principle of not interfering in other countries' domestic affairs.

South Korea's presidential office acknowledged the request, expressing its belief that Indonesia, along with other nations friendly to both Seoul and Pyongyang, can play a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean peninsula. This initiative aligns with South Korea's ongoing efforts to explore avenues for cooperation.

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Indonesia is seen as having no interest in meddling in other countries’ domestic affairs. We hold firm to that

Indonesia's traditional non-aligned foreign policy positions it as a potential mediator. Previously, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono mentioned Prabowo's readiness to mediate in the Iran conflict to de-escalate regional tensions. During their April meeting, Lee and Prabowo also discussed energy security and expanded defense cooperation. Despite South Korea's overtures since Lee took office, North Korea has declared South Korea a "hostile nation" in 2024, rebuffing dialogue attempts.

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Indonesia and other countries with friendly ties to both Seoul and Pyongyang could play a constructive role in helping foster peaceful coexistence on the Korean peninsula