Cabinet Secretary: President Prabowo’s “Pet Diplomacy” in South Korea, A Warm Surprise Captures the Spotlight

President Prabowo Subianto presents a unique Indonesian gift to Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s pet dog, Bobby, at the Sangchungjae Gardens of the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Korea, Wednesday (04/01) (Photo: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to the Republic of Korea on Wednesday (04/01) was marked by more than just high-level policy discussions. The visit featured warm, personal moments that underscored a growing bond between the two leaders, as President Prabowo presented a series of traditional Indonesian gifts alongside a unique surprise that left a lasting impression.

In a written statement released on Thursday (04/02), Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya noted that President Prabowo’s diplomatic strategy transcends mere formality, focusing instead on a more personal approach.

“Diplomacy is not simply about meetings and official agendas. It is about how personal relationships between leaders can be forged and leave a meaningful impact on the heart,” Secretary Teddy remarked.

During the visit, the President presented several premium handicrafts produced by Indonesian MSMEs, including a Balinese keris and ceramic vases from East Java. These gifts served a dual purpose: honoring Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and acting as a form of creative economy diplomacy by introducing local craftsmanship to the global stage.

However, the most memorable highlight occurred when President Prabowo offered an unexpected surprise. The Head of State presented custom-made clothing for the pet dog of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

“President Prabowo shared a delightful surprise that truly caught President Lee off guard, a gift of specially designed outfits for his pet dog,” Secretary Teddy revealed.

The gesture became even more poignant due to a coincidental detail. President Lee’s dog is named Bobby, sharing the same name as President Prabowo’s pet cat.

“In an unexpected ‘plot twist,’ it turns out President Lee’s dog is also named Bobby! The power of ‘pet diplomacy’ is truly unmatched,” Secretary Teddy added playfully.

These interactions serve as a testament that modern diplomacy is built not only through treaties and statistics but through genuine personal touches. President Prabowo’s humanist approach is seen as a way to build emotional proximity, strengthening the foundation for future cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea.

In an increasingly dynamic global situation, this form of warm, fluid, and grounded diplomacy has become a new strength, connecting nations not just through shared interests, but through a shared sense of friendship. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (AY/AW)