This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Jepang ingin berkontribusi lebih di infrastruktur dan energi RI
4 April 2024
By Herman and Imam Suhartadi
Jakarta, ID – Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto affirmed that he wanted to strengthen Indonesia’s relationship with Japan. This was stated by Prabowo when he met Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Wednesday (3/4/2024).
As quoted by AP, Prabowo stated that both countries have established a strong cooperative relationship for years, so he hoped to deepen the cooperation.
Japan has been bolstering its partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, particularly in the maritime security and defence sector in response to the heightened military activities in China.
Kishida welcomed Prabowo’s visit to Tokyo. He said that both countries were long friends who shared basic values and principles. Japan hopes to enhance its cooperation with Indonesia regarding regional and global issues as a comprehensive and strategic partner.
Kishida also stated that he hoped Japan could contribute further to Indonesia’s development in various sectors, including infrastructure and energy. He also hopes to enhance cooperation in the security and defence sector.
On Wednesday (3/4/2024), Prabowo was scheduled to have a discussion with Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara. Both ministers promised to enhance cooperation in the defence sector.
Good sign
Meanwhile, on Wednesday (3/4/2024), the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida considered Prabowo Subianto's visit to Japan as indicative of the significance of the relationship between Indonesia and Japan to his forthcoming administration.
“The initial visit of the elected president, Prabowo Subianto, is a good sign as it shows the good will of Prabowo to emphasise the importance of Japan to Indonesia,” Kishida affirmed at his meeting with Prabowo in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday.
Kishida also congratulated Prabowo Subianto on his victory in the 2024 presidential election in Indonesia.
In terms of bilateral relations, Kisida noted that, in addition to infrastructure, energy, security, and defense, his agency would sustain efforts to enhance cooperation with Indonesia. Furthermore, Indonesia's relationship with Japan has progressed to the stage of comprehensive and strategic cooperation.
“Japan will also support Indonesia’s effort to be part of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development),” Kishida said as quoted by Antara.
Kishida also expressed his commitment to enhancing cooperation with Indonesia in the security realm, particularly following his agency's decision to provide a patrol ship for Indonesia in December.
In response to Kishida's statement, Prabowo expressed his gratitude and reiterated his commitment to bolster the excellent relationship with Japan across various sectors, particularly in security, agriculture, fisheries, and disaster mitigation.
Exchange perspectives
During the meeting, Kishida stated his commitment to continue cooperating with Indonesia to realise the result of the Asean-Japan Summit last December.
on regional issues, including matters concerning the East Sea, the South China Sea, North Korea, and the civil war in Myanmar.
Based on the official press conference of the Defence Ministry, Prabowo arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday (2/4/2024).
His arrival was welcomed by several officials from the Japanese Government, including Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Masaki Yasushi. Officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Japan also welcomed Prabowo at the airport.
With the state visit, Prabowo hopes the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Japan can be maintained.
Previously, on Monday (1/4/2024), Prabowo who would take over the title of president from Joko Widodo in October 2024 has also visited China as his first official visit overseas after winning the 2024 presidential election.
The visit also affirmed the importance of the relationship with China amid the rising tension on the South China Sea, especially between China and the Philippines.
At his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prabowo also affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining a friendly relationship with China that is the largest trade partner of Indonesia. China has been involved in various major infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway.
