Summit Meeting Between Japan and the Republic of Indonesia
(Outline)
22 October 2001
A summit meeting between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Sukarnoputri took place on 22 October in Shanghai. The following is an outline of the meeting.
During the meeting, President Megawati invited Prime Minister Koizumi to visit Indonesia at his earliest possible convenience.
- Prime Minister Koizumi explained measures by Japan to combat terrorism, including the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces.
- The two leaders agreed on the significance of the fact that Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) had both reached consensus on joint opposition to terrorism and affirmed the importance of ensuring economic growth in coping with terrorism.
- Prime Minister Koizumi reaffirmed Japan's position on assistance to Indonesia, to which President Megawati expressed her gratitude.
1. Terrorism
(1) The following is an outline of the statement of Prime Minister Koizumi:
- The simultaneous terrorist attacks in the United States of America is not simply the concern of another people, and as such Japan is committed to be resolute in the fight against terrorism as a matter that concerns it too. Currently legal adjustments are being made to enable action by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), but this is based on the prerequisite that this will not contribute to military action or the use of arms, Japan's basic posture being to cooperate with other countries. This is a fight against terrorism and not a fight against Islam.
- This fight may last for the long-term. There are various methods by which each country can provide cooperation, such as diplomatic efforts, economic support and the freezing of funds that are used for terrorism.
(2) The following is an outline of the response of President Megawati:
- It is very significant that at this APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the leaders of each country could share their opinions on the subject of terrorism. As Prime Minister Koizumi stated, it is correct that this fight is not one that pits Islam against the United States. As stated on visits to both Japan and the United States, Indonesia has been fighting against terrorism itself.
- Islam is not a culture that condones or accepts violence, and according to the precepts of Islam, the fight against terrorism should not necessarily be one that uses means of violence. Violence has the possibility to beget further violence and therefore the currently ongoing actions in Afghanistan should be progressed with prudence and caution.
- Terrorists are attempting to bring about disruption to the global economy, and as a message against these efforts, it is of great significance that in APEC it has been possible to announce a statement of confidence concerning vitalization of the economy.
2. Japan's Support to Indonesia
Prime Minister Koizumi stated that Indonesia was an important partner for Japan, and while it would be difficult for Japan to implement debt reduction, he would make efforts to see to it that in the future the greatest degree of assistance possible would continue to be provided to Indonesia. In response, President Megawati expressed her gratitude and stated her hope that this assistance would indeed continue into the future.
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