President Jokowi Meets with South Korean Defense Minister

President Jokowi receives a courtesy call from South Korean Defense Minister Song Young Moo and his delegates on Wednesday (31/1) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Photo by: Public Relations Division/Rahmat).

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on Wednesday (31/1) at the State Palace received a courtesy call from South Korean Minister of Defense and his delegates.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu – who attended the meeting – said that the courtesy call is aimed at promoting cooperation in many sectors and for Minister of Defense it is in primary weaponry defense system (alutsista).

The Minister added that in addition to cooperation in the development of KFX/IFX fighters and submarines, both countries will embark on cooperation in intelligence because, according to him, our enemy now is terrorists.

“The South Korean Minister gave his report. He inspected submarines and conveyed greetings from the South Korean President while President Jokowi said that he might visit South Korea sometime this year,” the Minister said.

Regarding North Korea issue, the Minister said that there is not talk about it although Indonesia maintains a diplomatic relation with North Korea.

In the meantime, South Korean Minister of Defense Song Young Moo said that based on the meeting between leaders of the two countries last year, Indonesia and South Korea agree to promote relations between the two countries into a special strategic partnership.

“Based on the agreement, we will implement closer cooperation in various sectors including defense, diplomacy, and defense industries. And we will join hands with Indonesia and also Indonesia is a very important country for South Korea,” the Minister said.

Accompanying President Jokowi at the meeting were Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, while the South Korean Minister was accompanied by South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Cho Taiyong and South Korean Chief of Ministerial Staff Brigadier General Jeong Hae II. (FID/RAH/EN) (EP/YM/Naster)