Key facts
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has agreed to visit North Korea.
- The agreement follows a request from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
- The request was made during Prabowo's visit to Seoul in April.
- Indonesia maintains a non-aligned foreign policy.
- Prabowo has previously offered to mediate in the Iran war.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced on Friday that he is willing to visit North Korea to initiate dialogue, a proposal made by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during Prabowo's visit to Seoul in April. Prabowo emphasized Indonesia's commitment to maintaining equitable relations with all nations, including China and the United States. He recounted President Lee's request during his April visit, to which Prabowo responded affirmatively, stating his willingness to travel to North Korea if asked. Prabowo highlighted Indonesia's foreign policy principle of not meddling in other countries' domestic affairs, asserting that this stance makes Indonesia a neutral party. Indonesia traditionally adheres to a non-aligned foreign policy. This is not the first time Prabowo has expressed his readiness to mediate; in March, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that Prabowo was willing to act as a mediator in the Iran conflict to de-escalate regional tensions. During their April meeting, Lee and Prabowo discussed energy security and agreed to enhance cooperation in defense. President Lee has been attempting to ease tensions with Pyongyang since taking office last year, but North Korea has repeatedly rejected dialogue overtures and declared South Korea a "hostile nation" in 2024.