Energy, AI anchor Indonesia-South Korea relations: envoy

Seoul, South Korea (ANTARA) - Energy, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced technology, and human resource development will anchor the next phase of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea, Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea Cecep Herawan said on Tuesday.

The ongoing conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens global oil supplies, serves as a critical reminder for Indonesia to recalibrate its energy security, Herawan noted, pointing to South Korea as a pivotal partner in transitioning to renewable energy.

"Energy must become our primary focus in this bilateral cooperation," Herawan said during a media briefing at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, held under the "Indonesian Next-Generation Journalist Network" program—an initiative organized by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) and the Korea Foundation.

The ambassador emphasized that Indonesia has vast potential to deepen tech ties with Seoul, particularly as South Korean President Lee Jae-myung pushes policies aimed at positioning his country as the world's third-largest AI power, trailing only the United States and China.

Herawan also highlighted potential collaboration in nuclear technology, noting South Korea’s successful deployment of a commercial nuclear reactor in the United Arab Emirates and its accelerating progress in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.

By partnering with Seoul, Indonesia can acquire crucial expertise in advanced technology management while nurturing local talent, he added.

To jumpstart this ecosystem, Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has finalized an agreement with South Korean partners to develop high-performance computing infrastructure in Indonesia, which will serve as the foundation for domestic tech training.

"I believe that if we strengthen our strategic focus on energy, AI, and educational cooperation with South Korea, our bilateral relations will become even more strategic and vital in responding to global challenges," Herawan remarked.

South Korea remains Indonesia’s seventh-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$18 billion in 2025. Jakarta recorded a 25 percent trade surplus with Seoul during that period.

Bilateral ties were formally elevated to a Special Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in April, following an accord signed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan, Nabil Ihsan

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

Copyright © ANTARA 2026