JAKARTA (January 19, 2022) - The Indonesian government will continue to strengthen its friendship with South Korea. Many valuable lessons from the Gingseng Country can be learned and are useful for Indonesia's progress.

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini stated that she had applied numerous good practices from Korea while carrying out her mandate in government.

Social Affairs Minister Risma said that she has a special closeness to Ulsan and Busan, two important cities in South Korea.

Busan, with a population of 3.5 million people, is an economic, cultural, and educational center that she regularly visits.

"A long time ago, I studied the environment in Ulsan. Once a year I went to Busan, learning about water irrigation, city management, roads, and lighting. Even now, I'm still learning to solve very complex problems related to poverty and disability, problematic children, the elderly, migrant workers, remote indigenous communities, and disasters in Indonesia," said the Minister of Social Affairs when receiving a visit from members of the National Forum Coalition for the Restoration of Fairness and Common Sense (NCRFCS) in Jakarta, Wednesday (18/1).

In front of guests led by Prof. Kim Soo II, the Minister of Social Affairs said that this meeting would strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

"I'm very happy to be able to get to know and meet you, ladies and gentlemen. Currently, the President has trusted me to lead the Ministry of Social Affairs, which is far from my educational background as an architect," said Social Affairs Minister Risma.

During the meeting, Risma explained that numerous things could be learned from South Korea. "Why Korea? First, Korea is famous for its enthusiasm. Second, many developed countries only develop technology, whereas, in South Korea, children are allowed to do self-development according to their desires and potential without reducing existing cultural values," she said.

Korea has created a new trend by introducing Gangnam style and advanced technology without eroding existing values as local culture remains strong. Korean children respect their parents. The country teaches the citizens to love the nation. Thus, Social Affairs Minister Risma hopes Indonesia can emulate the spirit.

Professor Kim Soo II said that Indonesia is an international-scale country. "As the Minister in Indonesia, Risma is famous for being fierce, but it's all for the interests of the country, not personal," said Kim with a smile.

“Minister Risma is Indonesia's treasure, so don't forget to always take care of your health. She was very committed to the country, and to work. The Ministry of Social Affairs has also worked hard for all of this," said Kim sincerely.

"We promise to always work hard maintaining relations between these two countries because we understand that you, as Minister of Social Affairs, pay attention to citizens' problems even when you were a mayor."

The NCRFCS member and Yoon Seok Yeol's Presidential Advisor, Prof. Jeong Yong Sang, who was also present as the guest of honor, expressed his hope for the Minister of Social Affairs to bring development between these two friendly countries.

Jeong explained that a country where people with disabilities can live is an ideal country. Korea appreciated the Minister of Social Affairs' hard efforts in achieving the rights of people with disabilities in Indonesia and resolving various existing social problems. "Later, when you come to Korea, we are ready to help."

At the end of the meeting, Minister of Social Affairs Risma showed a video regarding the tenacity of a disabled person named Gading who struggled and was able to become empowered both physically and economically so that his social functions returned.

The event continued with the handover of Wayang Golek souvenirs. "I apologize if there were things in the reception that were unpleasant."

Public Relations Bureau

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs