Prabowo adds personal touch to South Korea diplomacy with gifts

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto added a personal touch to his state visit to South Korea, combining formal diplomacy with cultural gifts and a light-hearted surprise that underscored closer ties between the two leaders during his visit on April 1, 2026.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presents a gift to “Bobby,” the pet dog of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, at the Sangchungjae Garden of the presidential Blue House complex in Seoul, South Korea, April 1, 2026. Photo by BPMI Setpres

JAKARTA — The visit included official meetings and bilateral talks, but also moments aimed at building rapport beyond formal settings, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said on Thursday.

“Diplomacy is not only about meetings and official agendas, but also about building personal relationships that leave a lasting impression,” Teddy said.

During the visit, Prabowo presented a selection of Indonesian handicrafts, including a traditional Balinese kris dagger and a ceramic vase from East Java, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage while promoting small and medium-sized enterprises.

The most notable moment came when Prabowo presented a gift for the pet dog of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. The Indonesian leader gave a custom outfit for the dog, drawing a surprised reaction from Lee, according to the statement.

Teddy said the gesture was made even more memorable by an unexpected coincidence: the dog is named Bobby, the same name as Prabowo’s pet cat.

The exchange added a lighter tone to the visit, illustrating how informal gestures can complement formal diplomacy in strengthening ties between countries.

Indonesia has been seeking to deepen its partnership with South Korea across sectors including trade, investment and technology, with both sides emphasizing long-term strategic cooperation during the visit.