Prabowo Impressed by Korean Work Ethic at the Inauguration of Southeast Asia's Largest Petrochemical Plant

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed PT Lotte Chemical Indonesia's operational inauguration as the largest petrochemical factory in Southeast Asia located in Cilegon City, Banten, Thursday (6/11/2025). ANTARA/Andi Firdaus

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto expressed his admiration for the resilience and work ethic of South Korea during the inauguration of PT Lotte Chemical Indonesia (LCI), Southeast Asia's largest petrochemical plant, in Cilegon, Banten, today.

"I am among those who admire the Korean people. I admire their culture, I admire their hard work. They are a hardworking nation," Prabowo said in his remarks, as quoted by Antara.

The President considered Korea a nation that successfully emerged from difficult post-war conditions and became a modern nation. He praised the discipline, fighting spirit, and resilience of Korean leaders and human resources, despite their lack of abundant natural resources.

Prabowo also recalled his experience during his military service, working with a Korean judo coach. He said the coach possessed extraordinary dedication and a hardworking spirit, even encouraging the Kopassus judo team to train on religious holidays like Christmas and Eid al-Fitr.

"He asked, 'Does the General want the General's team to win or not?' I replied, 'Yes.' He said, 'If you want to win, there's no other way; you have to practice. The formula is threefold: one practice, two practice, three practice.' Well, that's my experience with the Korean people," Prabowo said, greeted by laughter from the guests.

Through this story, Prabowo portrayed the Korean people as disciplined, resilient, and never-give-up—an attitude he believes is worthy of emulation in building the Indonesian nation.

"So, the Korean people are a resilient people. So negotiating with the Koreans isn't easy. We can also send Papuans to the Koreans. So they are a resilient nation," he said.

The inauguration of PT Lotte Chemical Indonesia marked the operation of a large-scale, modern petrochemical plant managed by the South Korean company. This facility is Lotte Chemical's fifth plant globally and the largest in Indonesia.

Prabowo called this project a proud achievement and a demonstration of foreign investors' confidence in Indonesia's economic potential.

"I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, inaugurate PT Lotte Chemical Indonesia, located in Cilegon, Banten," Prabowo said as he pressed the inauguration button.