Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
James Robinson says Indonesia can learn from South Korea’s development
James A. Robinson, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in economics, said Indonesia can learn from South Korea’s development.
He spoke at a discussion in Indonesia held by the National Economic Council and the Prasasti Center for Policy Studies.
Robinson said North and South Korea had similar cultural backgrounds about 70 years ago, but their paths have since diverged sharply.
South Korea became a developed country through economic, social and political change, while North Korea has faced recurring famine and persistent poverty.
Robinson attributed South Korea’s progress to innovation, support for entrepreneurship, investment in education and people’s skills, and the adoption and development of technology.
He said its economy also offered broad access to opportunities and incentives.
The transformation took several generations, Robinson said, and he argued that Indonesia needs strong foundations for its own development.
He did not outline specific next steps for Indonesia.
Economist James A. Robinson said Indonesia can learn from South Korea’s development into an advanced country.
He described South Korea’s economic, social and political transformation over the past 70 years as extraordinary.
Robinson attributed its success to innovation, entrepreneurship, investment in education and human capital, and adoption and development of technology.
He said South Korea’s development took five generations in an analogy, though the actual pace was faster.
Robinson said countries need strong foundations for development.
- Who
- James A. Robinson said Indonesia can learn from South Korea’s experience.
- What
- Robinson described South Korea’s development and the factors behind its success.
- When
- He spoke on Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- At a discussion organized by Indonesia’s National Economic Council and the Prasasti Center for Policy Studies.
- Why
- He said South Korea’s experience can help Indonesia understand how to build strong foundations for development.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Robinson spoke at a discussion organized by the National Economic Council and the Prasasti Center for Policy Studies.
CNBC Indonesia published its report on Robinson’s remarks.
- Speaker
- James A. Robinson
- South Korea’s transformation
- About 70 years
- Development analogy
- Five generations
- Event organizers
- National Economic Council and Prasasti Center for Policy Studies
What people are saying
The Korean Peninsula looked the same 70 years ago, but then became very different.
South Korea’s economic, social, and political transformation is truly an extraordinary phenomenon.
Nation-building requires strong foundations.
Sources
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