Jakarta: Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has said he is ready to travel to North Korea if South Korea formally asks him to help reopen communication with Pyongyang. His remarks underline Indonesia's long standing policy of maintaining friendly ties with all countries and supporting peaceful dialogue instead of conflict.
Prabowo made the comments during an event organised by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. He revealed that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had raised the idea during their meeting in Seoul in April. According to Prabowo, Lee asked whether Indonesia could play a role in opening channels of communication with North Korea. The Indonesian leader said he would be willing to visit Pyongyang if such a request was officially made, adding that Indonesia is always prepared to contribute to peace wherever it can.
The statement comes at a time when relations between North and South Korea remain deeply strained. Communication channels between the two countries have largely been cut off, and diplomatic engagement has been almost nonexistent in recent years. While South Korea's new administration has expressed interest in easing tensions and rebuilding dialogue, North Korea has continued to maintain a hard line and has shown little public interest in restarting talks.
President Lee Jae Myung, who took office earlier this year, has signalled a different approach from his predecessor by placing greater emphasis on diplomacy and reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. His government has spoken about restoring communication with the North and creating conditions for peaceful engagement. However, progress has been slow as Pyongyang has continued to strengthen its military capabilities and expand its strategic cooperation with Russia.
Indonesia is considered one of the few countries that could potentially play a neutral role in such an effort. It has maintained diplomatic relations with both North Korea and South Korea for decades. Unlike many countries that have taken sides in regional rivalries, Indonesia has traditionally followed an independent foreign policy that encourages dialogue with all nations regardless of political differences.
Prabowo has repeatedly said that Indonesia wants to be a bridge between countries whenever possible. Since taking office, he has stressed that diplomacy and communication are more effective than confrontation in resolving international disputes. He has also called on ASEAN to remain committed to peace, stability and cooperation as tensions continue to rise in several parts of the world.
Indonesia has a history of supporting peace initiatives through regional and international organisations. It has often promoted negotiation and dialogue in conflicts involving neighbouring countries and has consistently supported diplomatic solutions through ASEAN and the United Nations. This reputation as a neutral country is one reason why Seoul may see Jakarta as a trusted partner in reaching out to Pyongyang.
Despite Prabowo's willingness to help, analysts say there are significant challenges. North Korea has not publicly responded to the Indonesian president's remarks, and there is no indication that Pyongyang is currently interested in third party mediation. Over the past few years, North Korea has adopted a tougher position toward the South, declaring it a hostile state and reducing opportunities for official contact.
Security experts also note that North Korea's closer ties with Russia have strengthened its international standing, making it less likely to seek renewed dialogue with South Korea in the near future. At the same time, the United States and South Korea continue to work closely on defence and sanctions policies aimed at countering North Korea's weapons programmes.
There has been no official response from South Korea to Prabowo's latest comments, and government officials in Seoul have not confirmed whether a formal request for Indonesian mediation is under consideration. International observers say that even if Indonesia is willing to help, meaningful progress will depend on both North and South Korea agreeing to return to the negotiating table.
For now, Prabowo's offer remains a diplomatic gesture that reflects Indonesia's commitment to peaceful engagement. Whether it develops into an active mediation effort will depend on future decisions by Seoul and Pyongyang. Even so, the proposal highlights Indonesia's growing ambition to play a larger role in promoting peace and stability beyond Southeast Asia, using dialogue and cooperation as the foundation of its foreign policy.