The relationship between Indonesia and South Korea has been growing since the visit of President Moon Jae-in to Indonesia.
"There is something that connects us all. two people can meet, talk, even pass, it's not a coincidence, "said Park Ok-pil, a volunteer who will teach Korean at a tourism school in Makassar. after he completed the Indonesian language learning program with me as a language buddy, his duties in Indonesia officially started.
"Is not that what fate is?" I asked.
"Fate may not be exactly the same concept, although it can be practically approached," On the side of him lies a suitcase of equipment that will accompany him during his service in Indonesia. "The relationship is amazing," he added.
historical evidence also implies that the relations between Indonesia and South Korea are amazing. One proof is the establishment of Korean Freedom Fighters Youth Group by gunsok soldiers * who coordinated with Indonesian soldiers towards the end of World War II. the record of Majapahit merchants' visit to Joseon at the end of the 14th century also shows a long history of relations between the two countries **.
Relations between Indonesia and South Korea continue to grow and enter a new phase after President Moon Jae-in's visit to Indonesia in November 2017.enhancing relationships into special strategic partnerships opens up more opportunities that not only can develop the economy, but also enable each country to transfer knowledge.
with the increasing diversity of cooperation undertaken, the Indonesian nation can learn a lesson about South Korea's step into a developed country. On the other hand, South Korea can understand multiculturalism through cooperation with the Bhinneka Indonesia. the knowledge is required by each country to grow while strengthening its position in the global sphere.
Like relations between people, relations between Indonesia and South Korea are linked by "something", as presented by Ms. Park Ok-pil. in Korean culture this is called inyeon (bond between humans). If inyeon can be used to describe bilateral relations between Indonesia and South Korea, it can be said that there is inyeon or deep bond between two countries. beyond the politically changing map, the relations between the two countries have been colored by the struggle for independence, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The similarity of vision and struggle that both countries have become a glue for both countries. glue to strengthen the relationship and step in tandem forward together.
Footnote :
Gunsok is a Korean man who is mobilized to the Japanese colony area to be employed as a gunnin assistant or Japanese soldier. Koreans recruited as gunsok did not know that they were assigned to help the Japanese colonial government. 1400 gunsok came to Indonesia through Tanjung Priok on 14 September 1942 which was then assigned to guard the prison in some areas in Indonesia. gunsok is also in charge of supervising the Japanese-built Heiho army consisting of young Indonesian soldiers. in addition to feeling disappointed with the assignment without concessions, gunsok soldiers also feel annoyed with the treatment of Japanese soldiers while on duty. 120 gunsok who received military training in Sumowono formed a secret organization called 고려 독립 청년당 (Koryeodokripcheongnyeondan) 'or Korean Freedom Fighters YouthGroup.in its formation, the gunsok coordinate with Indonesian soldiers from Heiho and prisoners from England (Rostineu, 2015).
In 1394, recorded in 태조 실록 (Taejo Sillok) or a record of events during King Taejo's reign, that there was a merchant from Majapahit who visited the kingdom of Joseon with his descendants. not clearly specified for the purpose of the merchant's arrival, but is expected to open up a peace opportunity.