In the spirit of solidarity and peace, hundreds of youths from South Korea and Indonesia gathered in the Car Free Day area of Jakarta on Sunday, January 19, 2025, to highlight the importance of peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula. The event, titled the Korean Dream Campaign, as part of the Global Peace Leadership Corps was organized by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Indonesia and Global Peace Youth Korea, involving various community elements from both nations.
Ingill Ra, Regional Representative of the Global Peace Foundation Asia Pacific
The campaign began with an electrifying speech by Ingill Ra, Regional Representative of the Global Peace Foundation Asia Pacific. His words resonated deeply with the crowd as he emphasized that the dream of reunifying South and North Korea transcends borders. “This grand vision is not merely the responsibility of Koreans; it is a global aspiration,” he said. “This activity symbolizes that peace can be achieved if we work together to pursue it. May this message inspire everyone, especially Koreans, to continue striving for reunification and peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
As his speech concluded, participants, many of whom were South Korean youths, North Korean escapees, and Indonesian youths, adorned in elegant hanbok, embarked on a long march along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. The streets came alive with banners and posters bearing messages of hope, such as “We Support Peace on the Korean Peninsula” and “The Korean Dream is Everyone’s Dream.” The procession drew smiles, applause, and curiosity from onlookers, who stopped to cheer and capture the moment on their phones.
Indonesian people show support for the peaceful reunification of Korea
Among the bystanders was Muhammad Fatahillah, an Indonesian visitor moved by the campaign’s message. “Campaigns like this should continue to be held to maintain peace between the two nations and ensure stability in East Asia,” he said. “This effort not only impacts the welfare of the Korean Peninsula but also contributes to the economic prosperity of neighboring countries like China, Japan, and Taiwan, as well as influential nations like the United States and Russia. I hope initiatives like this expand their reach and help Indonesians become more aware of this issue.”
The day’s activities didn’t end with the march. Visitors were drawn to the Korean Dream Campaign booth near FX Sudirman, which offered an array of interactive cultural experiences. Children and adults alike enjoyed traditional Korean games, such as jegichagi, and many eagerly tried on traditional attire for a chance to pose in a photo booth designed with quintessential Korean elements. These activities created a space for meaningful cultural exchange and built connections between the two communities.
Social media booths set up for participants to show support for One Korea
As a tangible expression of support for Korean reunification, participants were invited to sign an online petition. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to garner international backing for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Shintya Rahmi Utami, General Manager of Global Peace Foundation Indonesia, expressed her pride and optimism about the event’s impact. “Collaborations like this are a testament to the strategic role of youth in creating positive change on a global scale,” she said. “We hope this spirit spreads far and wide, inspiring others to join the movement for peace.”
The Korean Dream Campaign is not just a call for peace; it is a celebration of culture, unity, and the shared hope for a brighter future. By blending advocacy with cultural appreciation, the event strengthened bonds between South Korea and Indonesia, showcasing the power of youth-driven initiatives in promoting global peace and understanding.
Learn more at www.1dream1korea.com
