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KFX/IFX News and Development

Well, I knew something was fishy. I bet that today's Indonesia wouldn't agree with the terms for a second time.

What fishy ? Did you read my explanation ? Erdogan wants equal stake with South Korea, and because SK doesnt approve such idea, Turkey doesnt want to be part of the fighter developers
 
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What fishy ? Did you read my explanation ? Erdogan wants equal stake with South Korea, and because SK doesnt approve such idea, Turkey doesnt want to be part of the fighter developers
I translate:

Turkey wanted to be an equal partner.

South Korea on the other hand wanted to only share the burden but not the benefits.

Indonesia is practically just a cashcow for them.
 
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I translate:

Turkey wanted to be an equal partner.

South Korea on the other hand wanted to only share the burden but not the benefits.

Indonesia is practically just a cashcow for them.

Equal partner in this regard is the same stake with South Korea, you can look on the older news if you dont believe it.

What cashcow ? Look I know the program from the engineer that is involved, all of Indonesian engineers support the program.
 
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I dont need to explain again and again the benefit Indonesia has on the program, basically that Turkey dude dont read this one :

1. Design experience
2. Some parts will be produced in Indonesia Aerospace for Indonesia/Korea/export market
3. Indonesian KF21 order will be assembled in Indonesia Aerospace
4. Composite material TOT that is also useful for other program
5. System integration will be more complex than transport one, so once again gaining huge experience and increase capabily
6. Maintenance market will be handled by Indonesia Aerospace for IFX and possibly for SEA market as well
7. Indonesian Aerospace can develop STEALTH wing man drone and it means huge market even within Indonesia market alone as one KF21 is planned to have 3 wingman drone accompanying them.
8. Possibly long production benefit for Indonesia Aerospace as even the plane is planned to be developed further into 6 generation fighter
9. Improving Indonesia Aerospace brand image and also the program can improve nation brand image that can benefit many business in Indonesia that wants to export high tech product or advanced service to overseas market
10. Indonesia Aerospace will get 1 prototype that can be used to develop Indonesian engineers capability and develop Indonesian version of KFX with possibly more local component

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Regarding the fuselage part produced in Indonesia Aerospace

In the KF-21/IFX project, the national defense industry involved is PT Dirgantara Indonesia. "As a result of initial discussions with South Korea, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) asked to be the sole supplier (50 percent) of wings, tails, and other parts or (pylons)," said the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


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Regarding design experience

Indonesia delays payment for S. Korea's fighter development project​

All News 11:49 October 07, 2019

"Despite such a delay in payment, the Indonesian side has continued to send its researchers to South Korea to take part in the development process," Rep. Kim Joong-ro of the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party said during a parliamentary audit into the administration, voicing concern about technology leaks.

As of July, 114 Indonesian engineers were sent to South Korea to work with Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, to design and make a prototype of the fighter, according to a DAPA official.


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February 6, 2014 (Angkasa/Space Magazine)

KFX / IFX program continued , Government Asked to Immediately Selecting Design

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Korea was once considered Indonesia engineer do not understand about the design of a jet fighter. But the notion was quickly turned , when the Indonesian team describes the design and the various inputs. The Indonesian side also the one who finally managed to convince that the aircraft take-off weight of 50,000 pounds must .

Confirmation of the Parliament of South Korea on the resumption of the program KFX / IFX team warmly welcomed designers from Indonesia. They include asking both governments immediately call the engineers involved in preparing work that has been long overdue. They also want the governments of both countries to make sure one of the two designs that have been produced in the Technology Development phase for cultivation in the next phase .

"Program KFX / IFX is a multi - program years , costly, and involve various sectors and foreign partners. For that there must be a definite declaration on it goes. For Indonesia it is important to determine the financing schemes and their human resources planning, "said Dr Rais Zain, M. Eng , KFX / IFX Configuration Design Leader for Angkasa , in late January.

"In the near future Indonesia will also work on the N219 and R - 80. We do not have enough engineers to work three programs, especially KFX / IFX will take place until the 2020s. The government is expected to call home engineers who are now working abroad to come help the regeneration process. Outside there are approximately 200 people . If half of it can be returned to the country, it is enough to help, " added Rais who is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering ITB, Bandung.

As reported by the national media, the confirmation of the continuation of the program of making front - liner Korean - Indonesian fighter jets received by the Ministry of Defense on January 3, 2014. Notice is further announced Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro told reporters, Wednesday, January 8, 2014, on the sidelines of Rapim Kemenhan in Jakarta. Explanations related to exposure delivered weapon system procurement plans in the Strategic Plan II, 2015-2019.

The Indonesian government hopes the project of making the 4.5 generation fighter jet could be done because it would be a referral program to remove the dependence of the transfer of technology from other countries. Besides KFX / IFX, Indonesia is also pursuing a program of making submarines , warships, propellants , rockets, and tank size medium. For submarines, Indonesia is also cooperating with the same country.

Superior to the Su - 35 Program, KFX / IFX was stopped temporarily by Korea's new leader Park Geun - Hye end of 2012 after reviewing the state financially in the country. This prestigious project was worked on since the beginning of 2011, shortly after President Lee Myung - bak and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono confirmed the bilateral cooperation in the defense field in Jakarta. From the Technology Development Phase that has been completed, a team of scientists has completed a number of conical design that later became two.

The two designs is a model of the stealth fighter jet -winning twin-engine air superiority with horizontally - tails in the back, and the other one is with canards on the front. "Each has consequences different financing and partners. Thus , it must first be decided which one is selected. It is important that when followed, all parties are ready to do it , "said Rais Zain , whose day-to- day lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,ITB, Bandung.

As stated Wamenhan Sjafrie, Korean parliament has prepared 20 million U.S. dollars (temporary , Indonesia : $ 5 million) to continue this program in 2015. At that time , the team will go to the Engineering Manufacturing Development Phase. In addition must have a high thrust engine with a power to be able to fight in the air, the aircraft must also have weapons stored in the internal weapons bay , the data - link capable of randomizing communications, advanced radar target voters, and anti - jamming device.

The prototype is expected to finish by the end of the Strategic Plan II . Even if there are things that need to be criticized , it is a matter of operation requirements are much more determined the Korean Air Force . This was inevitable because the Korean bear 80 percent of the funding, and the country actually have a real enemy. This program is targeted to spawn a jet fighter with performance equivalent or superior to the opponent fighter jets which are the Sukhoi Su - 35.

Prerequisites requirement dismissed the proposed counter designs by KAI ( Korean Aerospace Industrie) recently, which is intended to cut development costs. In the configuration ( see Space, December 2013 ), looks KFX type E is only one engine powered with weapons outside the radar sweep prone opponent.

Angkasa examine admiration of ADD ( Agency for Defense Development, Defence Research and Development Agency of Korea ) submitted to the Indonesian engineer team. Initially, the team assumes Korea really had no idea about the design of Indonesian fighter jets.

However, the assumption was turned when Indonesian engineers began to describe the design and the various inputs to the design of Korea. The Indonesian side also who ultimately ensure that the aircraft must have a takeoff weight of 50,000 pounds.(A.Darmawan/Angkasa magazine).



See the year of 2012 ( Before KAI Korea and Lockheed Martin join the program in 2015)

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Indonesian wind tunnel

 
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23 APRIL 2021

KAI prepares smart factory for KF-21 fighter​

by Jon Grevatt


Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is planning to develop a new ‘smart factory’ to support the production of its new KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft.

In a filing to the Korean stock exchange on 22 April, KAI said it will invest KRW98.5 billion (USD88 million) over the coming five years to set up a “smart manufacturing system based on 4th Industrial Revolution digital technologies” including artificial intelligence and big data analytics.

The smart factory, it said, will be utilised across several projects. One of the initial focus areas is expected to be the production of components and structures for the KF-21, a prototype of which KAI unveiled earlier in April under its Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) programme.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have announced plans to set up a ‘smart manufacturing’ facility to support the production of the KF-21 fighter aircraft, which was unveiled earlier in April. (DAPA)

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have announced plans to set up a ‘smart manufacturing’ facility to support the production of the KF-21 fighter aircraft, which was unveiled earlier in April. (DAPA)

KAI also expects to integrate the facility into a larger automated production ecosystem within South Korea’s aerospace sector. KAI said it will provide assistance to suppliers in setting up similar processes.

The plant, KAI said, will be partly modelled on its ‘A350 factory’, which was opened in 2010 at KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, to support production on the Airbus jet airliner.

This facility features automated production lines and has been credited with reducing A350 aerostructure manufacturing timeframes by 66%.

KAI also said that the facility will support its efforts to enhance the competitiveness of its products in export markets.

Commenting on the new factory, a KAI official quoted by local media said, “We will maximise work efficiency by implementing an intelligent production system that combines digital and analysis tasks performed in areas such as production, process management, technology, purchasing, and quality control.”

 
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Now the point of view of the new forces making cars is, I won't say it, it's an industry secret
 
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Maiden flight

AlhamduliLLAH seems successful maiden flight

 
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KF-21 Fighter Jet Made in South Korea in Cooperation with Indonesia Successfully First Flight Test!

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SEOUL, KOMPAS.TV - South Korea's domestically developed fighter jet in collaboration with Indonesia successfully carried out its first flight test, Tuesday (19/7/2022), South Korea's official Yonhap news agency reported.

The next-generation aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in a project partially supported by Indonesia, is designed to be a cheaper and overt alternative to the US-made F-35, which South Korea relies on.

A prototype jet, dubbed KF-21, took off at 3:40 p.m. (13:40 Jakarta time) from the air force base in the city of Sacheon, and flew for about 30 minutes. The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration said in a statement.

At the Air Force's 3rd Flying Training Squadron in Sacheon, about 300 kilometers south of Seoul, the fighter took off, signaling South Korea will join an elite club of seven nations that have been developing supersonic fighter jets locally.

The maiden flight under the 8.8 trillion won project comes as the country has been pushing to replace its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters with high-end jets. This is an increase in South Korean air power to counter North Korean attacks with nuclear and missile threats.

South Korea first envisioned the jet development project in November 2000, when then-President Kim Dae-jung expressed the country's hopes of becoming a manufacturer of advanced fighter aircraft by 2015 at a ceremony to launch the original KT-1 trainer.

The project took a small step in November 2002, when South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff made long-term plans to develop a high-end fighter that surpassed the KF-16 fighter and delivered about 120 units.

But skepticism is still rampant. South Korea's two state-run institutions, the Korea Institute of Defense Analysis and the Korea Development Institute, concluded in separate analyzes in 2003 and 2007, that the project was not feasible.

However, the project gained much-needed momentum in 2009, when another government commissioned study by Konkuk University concluded that the fighter aircraft development scheme was economically viable.

The government then continued with a preliminary research process from 2011-2012 and decided in 2013 a detailed plan for the fighter aircraft project, including the required operational capabilities and target deployment period.

As widely anticipated, the issue of securing key combat technologies remains a formidable challenge.

South Korea initially sought to secure key technologies for four critical pieces of equipment -- an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system, an infrared search and tracking system (IRST), an electro-optical tracking pod (EO TGP), and a radio frequency (RF) jammer. -- from the United States (USA).

However, the US rejected the request in April 2015, forcing the South to focus on developing the technology needed at home.

Despite the technological uncertainty, the state-run Defense Acquisition Program Administration signed a fighter development contract with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), the country's sole aircraft maker, in December 2015.

In the first phase of the project which cost 8.1 trillion won, Indonesia participated as a partner under an agreement to cover 20 percent of the amount.

After the first phase to develop the combat system as a whole by 2026, the second phase which cost 700 billion won lasts until 2028 to carry out weapons tests.

Initial skepticism over the project turned to optimism as local defense companies have successfully continued to develop the technology required for the four main pieces of equipment that form the core of the fighter's combat operations.

Hanwha Systems Co. is on track to develop an AESA radar system, with a prototype unveiled in August 2020, four years after the launch of the radar development effort.

The AESA system can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously and extensively, as the radio wave beams are electronically directed at points in different directions without moving the antenna.

Hanwha Systems is also responsible for developing the IRST and EO TGP. The IRST system is designed to detect and track objects emitting infrared radiation, while the EO TGP is designed to identify targets and direct precision munitions such as laser-guided bombs.

LIG Nex1 is working on developing the fighter's electronic warfare (EW) suite, including an RF jammer designed for radio signal interference.

The 4.5 generation fighters will be equipped with air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-2000 by Germany-based Diehl and Meteor by MBDA Europe.

So far, five KF-21 prototypes have been launched for testing purposes with a sixth due out sometime this month. The prototype is slated to carry out a combined 2,000 sorties or more to complete the development of the fighter as a whole by 2026.

In addition to these testing procedures, the KF-21 project faces other obstacles, such as Indonesia's payment arrears.

In 2026-2028, KAI plans to produce the initial units of KF 21 Block I.

 
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South Korea's first homegrown fighter jet completes test flight​


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UPDATED

JUL 19, 2022, 4:35 PM SGT

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SEOUL (REUTERS) - South Korea's domestically developed fighter jet successfully completed its first test flight on Tuesday (July 19), a defence agency said, amid a push to replace ageing military jets in the face of nuclear and missile threats from neighbouring North Korea.

The next-generation aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in a project partially backed by Indonesia is designed to be a cheaper, less stealthy alternative to the US-built F-35, on which South Korea relies.

A prototype of the jet, dubbed KF-21, took off at 3.40pm (2.40pm Singapore time) from an air force base in the south-eastern city of Sacheon, and flew for about 30 minutes, the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration said in a statement.

The new jet faces more testing until 2026, when mass production is set to begin.

South Korea unveiled the first prototype of the KF-21 in April last year, hailing the aircraft as the future backbone of its air force and a step towards greater military independence for the US ally in North Asia.

In 2014, South Korea and Indonesia agreed to jointly develop the jet in a project worth 8.1 trillion won (S$8.6 billion), with Jakarta agreeing to pay a fifth of the cost.

But in 2018 Indonesia sought to renegotiate the deal, to ease pressure on its foreign exchange reserves, and later offered to pay its share in the form of a barter.

The two countries agreed in November that Jakarta would keep its pledge to shoulder 20 per cent of the development cost, including in-kind payments for a third of its share, though they have yet to formally revise the contract, an official said.

 
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South Korea’s homegrown KF-21 fighter takes to the skies for first time​


  • Jul 20, 2022

South Korea’s homegrown KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft conducted its maiden flight Tuesday, only 6½ years after the start of the development program, in a milestone for the country’s defense industry amid efforts to make the nation more self-reliant.

The aircraft, the first of six flyable prototypes to have been built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), took to the skies from an air force base near KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, and flew for about 30 minutes.

The twin-engined aircraft bore the flags of both South Korea and Indonesia — the only foreign partner in the program. The KF-21 was also seen carrying four mock-ups of the Meteor long-range, air-to-air missile under the fuselage. First rolled out in April 2021, the aircraft underwent ground tests earlier this year.

The test flight, which Seoul described as “a new leap in domestic aviation technology,” has brought South Korea closer to joining a small club of nations that have developed their own advanced supersonic fighter jets. KAI is planning to put the six KF-21 prototypes — including two twin-seat aircraft — through a combined 2,000 flight tests over the next four years.

The KF-21, which is capable of conducting various kinds of missions, is being developed by Seoul in two stages to replace the air force’s aging fleet of F-4E Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger combat aircraft. The first phase of development, which has been budgeted at 8.1 trillion won ($6.17 billion), is set to be completed by 2026, while the second phase, costing 700 billion won, is expected to run through 2028 and focus on weapon tests.

Mass production of the KF-21 is scheduled to start in 2026 with the “Block 1” aircraft, which will be equipped with limited air-to-ground weapons and air-to-air weapons. From 2028, the “Block 2” variant will be capable of performing full air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. The air force is planning to acquire 40 of these fighter jets by 2028 and another 80 by 2032.



he KF-21 was also seen carrying four mock-ups of the Meteor long-range, air-to-air missile under the fuselage. | DAPA he KF-21 was also seen carrying four mock-ups of the Meteor long-range, air-to-air missile under the fuselage. | DAPA

South Korea already fields a fleet of 40 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters and is aiming to acquire 20 more of these “fifth-generation” stealth aircraft from the United States by 2028 under a 3.94 trillion won program slated to begin next year.

The less stealthy “4.5-generation” KF-21 is seen by Seoul as a means to not only modernize its aging fighter fleet and complement the new F-35As, but also to strengthen the local defense industry and potentially boost defense exports.

The aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensors, avionics and weapon systems, most of which — including the “active electronically scanned array radar,” radio frequency jammer, electro-optical tracking pod and infrared search and track system — are being developed locally.

Seoul had initially sought to secure key technologies for these systems from the United States, but Washington declined the request in April 2015, Yonhap News Agency reported, resulting in South Korea developing these systems domestically.

The KF-21 — which is expected to have a top speed of Mach 1.8, not far from twice the speed of sound — will feature three “hardpoints” under each wing for weapons and/or external fuel tanks, and will also be capable of carrying four missiles under the fuselage, according to KAI.

In its 2021-2025 Mid-Term Defense Plan, the South Korean defense ministry confirmed that the country would begin developing long-range air-to-surface and air-launched anti-ship guided missiles for integration with the KF-21.

 
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Leaders of Korea, Indonesia affirm their strategic partnership​



Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, shakes hands with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, at the presidential office in Yongsan District, central Seoul Thursday afternoon. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, shakes hands with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, at the presidential office in Yongsan District, central Seoul Thursday afternoon. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]


Thursday

July 28, 2022


President Yoon Suk-yeol stressed the strategic importance of Southeast Asia to Korea at a summit with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Seoul Thursday.

"In an era in which economy is security and security is the economy, economic and security cooperation between the two countries, such as stabilizing the supply chain, is very important," Yoon said at the start of bilateral talks at the presidential office in Yongsan, central Seoul.

In response, Widodo said, "I am confident that the relationship between our two countries will be further strengthened under the leadership of President Yoon."

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic security, defense, infrastructure and eco-friendly investments.

This was Yoon's first summit with a leader from one of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Widodo last visited Korea in November 2019. He is the second foreign leader to visit Seoul since Yoon's inauguration in May, after U.S. President Joe Biden.

The Indonesian president, popularly known as Jokowi, was accompanied by his wife Iriana Joko Widodo. They arrived at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Wednesday evening for a two-day visit. Earlier this week, Widodo kicked off a three-country East Asia tour which previously took him to China and Japan.

On Thursday morning, Widodo met with Korean business leaders including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Posco CEO Kim Hag-dong.

Widodo arrived at the presidential office in Yongsan around 4:20 p.m.

He signed a guestbook with the message, "Indonesia is the right partner for ROK [Republic of Korea]."

The leaders held bilateral talks for nearly two hours. They watched the signing of a memorandum of cooperation for the promotion of sustainable green investment and then held a joint press conference.

"Indonesia is a leading country in Asean, and the only Southeast Asian country that Korea has a special strategic partnership with," said Yoon at the press conference.

He added that Korea and Indonesia are countries in the Indo-Pacific region that "share the goal of peace and common prosperity" and that "maintaining a norms-based international order serves the interests of both countries."

"I conveyed to President Widodo the strategic importance of Asean and our intentions to strengthen cooperation with Asean," said Yoon. "Based on our unwavering support for Asean centrality, we will harmonize our Indo-Pacific strategy with the Asean perspective."

The two sides agreed to strengthen economic security and supply chain stability, and bolster trade and investment, especially in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, batteries and petrochemicals.

Yoon said the two leaders "agreed to build strategic solidarity in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries by strengthening economic and security cooperation between the two countries," including the stabilization of supply chains for key minerals. Yoon noted that Indonesia is a country rich in minerals like nickel, important for Korean tech companies.

Describing defense as a key pillar of bilateral relations, Yoon said the two countries jointly celebrated the successful first test flight of the KF-21 advanced supersonic jet fighter earlier this month. Indonesia refers to the project as IF-X.

"The two countries reaffirmed their intentions to continue to cooperate so that the joint development of next-generation fighters can proceed smoothly until the very end," said Yoon.


He didn't elaborate further on if there had been discussion on Indonesia's overdue payments for the joint KF-21 project, also dubbed the Boramae.

Yoon's presidential office said in a statement, "The two countries are accelerating defense cooperation by jointly developing the next-generation KF-21 fighters."

Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, right, holds a joint press conference with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, after their bilateral summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, central Seoul Thursday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, right, holds a joint press conference with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, after their bilateral summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, central Seoul Thursday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

The two countries agreed to work together under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a U.S.-led comprehensive economic framework viewed as a check on Chinese influence in the region.

They also shared the view that the entry into force of the Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) — a mega free trade agreement that includes China, Japan, Korea and the 10 Asean nations — contributed to substantive cooperation between the two countries.

Yoon also said Korea will support Indonesia for the successful hosting of the G20 summit in Bali in November.

The leaders shared concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and agreed on the need for a unified response from the international community.

They agreed to work together on humanitarian issues such as the restoration of democracy in Myanmar and the Ukrainian crisis.

They further agreed to cooperate on Indonesia's capital relocation project, which will move its capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. This could provide Korean companies opportunities to participate in infrastructure and housing construction projects.

Indonesia accounts for 41 percent of Asean's population with some 270 million people and 35 percent of the regional bloc's total gross domestic product (GDP).

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973 and celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties next year.

Yoon and Widodo attended an official banquet in the evening, joined by their wives, government officials and business leaders.


BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]

 
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