Indonesia charts its own course with rare North Korea visit

Upon Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono landing in Pyongyang in October 2025—the first visit in more than ten years—the world noticed. In a region moulded by agreements and approvals, enmities, competition, and socio-political rifts, Jakarta’s move wasn’t just a photo opportunity; it was a declaration. Indonesia is plotting its own route, designing its own course, making its own rules, and is no longer a simple follower of bigger powers.

Indonesia has long prided itself on “free and active” diplomacy, a Cold War-era approach meant to keep the country independent. Today, that principle means more than slogans—it means action. Reaching out to North Korea is death-defying. But by meeting and getting into consultations with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, reviving treaties, renewing arrangements, and exploring further cultural and educational endeavours, Jakarta exhibited that autonomous negotiation isn’t about instantaneous triumphs—it’s about keeping possibilities open.

Playing the long game

Under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has silently been spreading its political mark: expanding security ties with the United States and Japan, developing economic relations with China, re-engaging with Russia, and now, reaching out to Pyongyang. It’s not inconsistency; it’s strategy. For a middle power, skirting across many allies guarantees impact without dependency.

Sugiono even offered to help North Korea take part in the ASEAN Regional Forum. By acting as a bridge, Indonesia strengthens ASEAN’s role and proves its own relevance. When others close doors, Jakarta opens them. Diplomacy can be proactive, not just reactive.

Risky, but worth it

Of course, there’s risk. Even a small gesture can be misread as approval, particularly by partners like Washington and Tokyo. And if Pyongyang doesn’t reciprocate with transparency or humanitarian cooperation, Indonesia could face criticism.

But the potential rewards are bigger. Influence today isn’t about guns or money—it’s about the ability to talk across divides. Jakarta’s outreach isn’t support for North Korea’s policies—it’s independence in action. The real success won’t be immediate breakthroughs; it will be the doors that symbolic engagement opens: ongoing dialogue, renewed ASEAN participation, and even small humanitarian projects.

In reaching out boldly, Indonesia is showing a new model for middle powers — act independently, speak to everyone, and make your presence felt in a world too often defined by alignment or opposition.

Sometimes, the smartest power move is simply to show you can choose your own path.