President Prabowo Subianto has been bestowed with South Korea’s highest honorary award, The Grand Order of Mugunghwa, during his significant state visit to the East Asian nation. This prestigious recognition underscores the deepening ties between Indonesia and South Korea, highlighting a pivotal moment in their diplomatic relations.
The distinguished honor was officially confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. According to Wijaya, President Prabowo Subianto received The Grand Order of Mugunghwa directly from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The conferral took place during a special Friendship Event held at the exquisite Garden of Sangchungjae within the South Korean Presidential Palace on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This announcement was initially shared by Teddy via the Cabinet Secretariat’s official Instagram account.
Wijaya further elaborated on the immense significance of this accolade, stating that The Grand Order of Mugunghwa represents South Korea’s highest national award. Traditionally, it is reserved for the South Korean President and their spouse, as well as current or former heads of state from friendly nations and their respective spouses. This esteemed award is presented in recognition of extraordinary service that profoundly supports the development and security of the Republic of Korea.
The South Korean government specifically presented this honor to President Prabowo as a heartfelt appreciation for his substantial contributions and pivotal role in fortifying bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea. His efforts have been instrumental, particularly in elevating the partnership status between the two countries to a Special Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signifying a new level of cooperation and mutual commitment.
Detailing the physical grandeur of the award, Wijaya explained that it comprises several honorary attributes crafted from precious metals and adorned with exquisite gemstones. These include an elegant ribbon badge, a distinguished collar (necklace), a gleaming star (brooch), and a refined lapel badge (pin). Each element reflects the prestige and historical value of the order.
Emphasizing its historical weight, Teddy noted that since its inaugural conferral in 1949, The Grand Order of Mugunghwa has been bestowed upon more than 100 global figures, both domestic and international. The list of past recipients reads like a who’s who of world leaders, including South Korea’s first President Syngman Rhee, King Hussein of Jordan, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar, President Emmanuel Macron of France, and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
This latest conferral powerfully reaffirms the robust friendship and growing strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea. Such a profound recognition not only highlights their enduring bond but also promises continued tangible benefits for both nations and the wider region, fostering peace, stability, and prosperity.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto has been bestowed with South Korea’s highest honorary award, The Grand Order of Mugunghwa, during his state visit. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed President Prabowo received the prestigious award directly from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on April 1, 2026. This recognition highlights the deepening diplomatic ties between Indonesia and South Korea.
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is South Korea’s highest national award, typically reserved for heads of state in recognition of extraordinary service. President Prabowo received this honor for his substantial contributions to fortifying bilateral relations, specifically by elevating the partnership to a Special Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This conferral powerfully reaffirms the robust friendship and growing strategic cooperation between both nations.