(3rd LD) Lee, Prabowo agree to elevate bilateral ties, expand defense industry cooperation | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
President Lee Jae Myung shakes hands with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during their summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap) "(They) expressed their commitment to cooperation on the KF-21 production project and their expectations for the continued progress of other defense industry cooperation projects, including collaboration on trainer aircraft anti-tank guide missile systems, and ammunition," a joint statement said. President Lee Jae Myung (R) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pose for a photo ahead of their summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Prabowo emphasized the importance of bilateral ties amid rising global uncertainties, expressing hope that the two countries will complement each other as partners with shared interests. The Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest honor, awarded by President Lee Jae Myung to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, is seen in this photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae on April 1, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) In their second meeting following their talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea in November, Lee awarded Prabowo the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest honor, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties, including support for Korean companies operating in the Southeast Asian nation, Cheong Wa Dae said. Korea for summit with Lee Keywords #Lee #Indonesia Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee, Prabowo agree to elevate bilateral ties, expand defense industry cooperation (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break (2nd LD) Lee asks Indonesia's Prabowo to expand resource cooperation amid Mideast war (LEAD) Lee, Indonesia's Prabowo hold summit talks with eye on defense cooperation Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos Tass news agency's delegation in Pyongyang Tass news agency's delegation in Pyongyang Indonesian president visits S.

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(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with latest details, photos; RECASTS headline, lead)
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, April 1 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday agreed to expand defense industry cooperation by leveraging the joint development of the KF-21 fighter jet and work together to ensure stable energy supply chains amid the war in the Middle East.
During their summit talks, the two leaders agreed to elevate their special strategic partnership to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of bilateral relations short of a formal alliance, to further advance cooperation across a wide range of areas.
They noted that the joint KF-21 development program, known as the IF-X project in Indonesia, is scheduled for completion in June after more than a decade of development.
President Lee Jae Myung shakes hands with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during their summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
"(They) expressed their commitment to cooperation on the KF-21 production project and their expectations for the continued progress of other defense industry cooperation projects, including collaboration on trainer aircraft anti-tank guide missile systems, and ammunition," a joint statement said.
South Korea launched the KF-21 program in 2015 to develop a homegrown supersonic fighter jet, and Indonesia joined as a partner, agreeing to share development costs in exchange for technology transfers, a prototype and other conditions.
Seoul plans to sign a deal to export 16 units to Indonesia, which would mark the country's first overseas sale of its homegrown fighter jets.
Building on the momentum from the fighter jet program, the leaders committed to further expanding cooperation in defense and security, including joint research and development, and production.
As the summit took place amid growing uncertainty over oil and gas supplies following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, Lee asked Prabowo to expand cooperation on resource supply chains between the two nations.
Lee said the prolonged war in the Middle East is likely to cause concerns about a "big impact" on energy supplies for both South Korea and Indonesia, noting the two nations "need to expand cooperation on resource security to minimize the impact of this crisis," according to a pool report.
President Lee Jae Myung (R) holds summit talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
Lee highlighted the Southeast Asian nation's role in supplying key energy resources, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal. Indonesia is the sixth-largest LNG supplier to South Korea, which heavily relies on imports from the Middle East.
Noting Korean firms' participation in Indonesia's electric vehicle (EV) production, Lee expressed hope to expand cooperation on future projects in advanced industries, including shipbuilding and artificial intelligence (AI).
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in developing Indonesia's EV ecosystem, ranging from the local production of EV batteries and battery recycling to strengthening the EV supply chain, according to the statement.
President Lee Jae Myung (R) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pose for a photo ahead of their summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
Prabowo emphasized the importance of bilateral ties amid rising global uncertainties, expressing hope that the two countries will complement each other as partners with shared interests.
He noted that South Korea's advanced manufacturing capabilities and technology could align with Indonesia's abundant resources and market, while also stressing the need to strengthen cooperation in security and the defense industry.
During the summit, the two countries signed 10 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, advanced technologies, AI-based health care and intellectual property rights, among others.
Additional agreements focused on expanding cooperation in renewable energy, nuclear energy and the joint development of carbon capture and storage technologies.
Separately, the state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea and Danantara Investment Management, Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, agreed to cooperate on financing to support Korean companies' entry into Indonesia in promising sectors, including critical minerals, data centers and renewable energy.
During the talks, the two leaders also discussed regional security issues, with Prabowo expressing support for Seoul's efforts to improve ties with Pyongyang and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, while committing to active cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
"The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the K

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- During their summit talks, the two leaders agreed to elevate their special strategic partnership to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of bilateral relations short of a formal alliance, to further advance cooperation across a wide range of areas.
- President Lee Jae Myung shakes hands with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during their summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap) "(They) expressed their commitment to cooperation on the KF-21 production project and their expectations for the continued progress of other defense industry cooperation projects, including collaboration on trainer aircraft anti-tank guide missile systems, and ammunition," a joint statement said.
- Separately, the state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea and Danantara Investment Management, Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, agreed to cooperate on financing to support Korean companies' entry into Indonesia in promising sectors, including critical minerals, data centers and renewable energy.
- Lee presented Prabowo with a traditional Korean bow set and a martial arts book from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), reflecting the Indonesian president's strong interest in martial arts, shaped by his background as a former Army general and defense minister, Cheong Wa Dae added. ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Lee hails S.

### Areas for Consideration
- Korea for summit with Lee Keywords #Lee #Indonesia Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee, Prabowo agree to elevate bilateral ties, expand defense industry cooperation (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break (2nd LD) Lee asks Indonesia's Prabowo to expand resource cooperation amid Mideast war (LEAD) Lee, Indonesia's Prabowo hold summit talks with eye on defense cooperation Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos Tass news agency's delegation in Pyongyang Tass news agency's delegation in Pyongyang Indonesian president visits S.

### Implications
- OK (ATTN: UPDATES throughout with latest details, photos; RECASTS headline, lead) By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, April 1 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday agreed to expand defense industry cooperation by leveraging the joint development of the KF-21 fighter jet and work together to ensure stable energy supply chains amid the war in the Middle East.
- Lee said the prolonged war in the Middle East is likely to cause concerns about a "big impact" on energy supplies for both South Korea and Indonesia, noting the two nations "need to expand cooperation on resource security to minimize the impact of this crisis," according to a pool report.
- Noting Korean firms' participation in Indonesia's electric vehicle (EV) production, Lee expressed hope to expand cooperation on future projects in advanced industries, including shipbuilding and artificial intelligence (AI).
- President Lee Jae Myung (R) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pose for a photo ahead of their summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Prabowo emphasized the importance of bilateral ties amid rising global uncertainties, expressing hope that the two countries will complement each other as partners with shared interests.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers lee, cooperation, prabowo topics. Notable strengths include discussion of lee. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1207.