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Two Indonesians probed in suspected leak of fighter jet tech in South Korea
Both engineers have been ordered not to leave South Korea, with the Indonesian government saying it is too early to allege data theft in the case.
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A South Korea Air Force KF-21 Fighter performs during a media demonstration at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in Seongnam, south of Seoul on Oct. 16, 2023. (AFP/ANTHONY WALLACE)
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wo Indonesian nationals working for a South Korea-Indonesia fighter jet program in Seoul have been ordered not to leave the country as authorities investigate a suspected leak of technology from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
The two engineers are accused of breaching South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Act and leaking technology related to the KF-21, South Korea's homegrown fighter jet that is partially backed by Indonesia.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lalu Muhammad Iqbal confirmed on Friday that the two were employees of state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) stationed at KAI for the fighter jet project.
Lalu refused to reveal their identities to protect their privacy as the government was still verifying the alleged involvement.
“There have been no arrests. [They’ve] only been told not to leave [South Korea] for verification matters,” he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
Lalu said the Indonesian embassy in Seoul continued to monitor and accompany the two during the process.
South Korean police raided the KAI head office on Friday in connection with the suspected leak, a police official said.
