Japan-Indonesia Relations

On Monday, November 4, commencing at 7:30 p.m. (local time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. ABE Shinzo, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, on his visit to Bangkok, Thailand, to attend ASEAN-related summit meetings. The overview of the meeting is as follows. The meeting was also attended by Mr. IZUMI Hiroto, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr. HASEGAWA Eiichi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, and others from the Japanese side and by H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and others from the Indonesian side.

1. At the outset, President Joko stated that he was glad they could meet again. In addition, President Joko offered his congratulations for the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor and expressed condolences for the people affected by Typhoon Hagibis. In response, Prime Minister Abe congratulated President Joko on his reelection, expressed gratitude for the attendance of Vice President Ma’ruf Amin at the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor, and conveyed his appreciation for President Joko’s condolences for the victims of Typhoon Hagibis.
2. President Joko stated that, of the four priorities of his second presidential term, Indonesia intends to continue to cooperate with Japan for infrastructure development and human resource development. Prime Minister Abe responded that Japan intends to offer proactive cooperation.
3. Regarding infrastructure development, President Joko expressed Indonesia’s intent to deepen cooperation with Japan for the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, the northern Javarailway, and development of the Patimban Port. In response, Prime Minister Abe welcomed that the people of Jakarta were utilizing the MRT, and expressed Japan’s intent to work with Indonesia to develop the East-West Line. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan plans to commence capacity-building assistance for Indonesia National Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) from next year, and that Japan is considering supports for improving disaster management policies and systems as well as the provision of ODA loans for tackling flooding. In addition, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the approval of Inpex Corporation’s plan of development of the gas field in the Masela Block.
4. Regarding human resource development, President Joko stated that Japan is Indonesia’s partner in advancing human resource development and expressed Indonesia’s intention to work with Japan in a variety of related areas. Prime Minister Abe responded that Japan will proactively collaborate with Indonesia.
5. The two leaders shared the view that they will cooperate toward resuming the project for collecting the remains of Japanese soldiers who died in Indonesia.
6. The two leaders also exchanged views regarding regional affairs such as North Korean affairs, including recent ballistic missile launches, and the South China Sea issue. Prime Minister Abe expressed support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe noted that the abductions issue is a top priority for the Abe Cabinet, and asked for President Joko’s understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue. The two leaders also shared that they will cooperate with the aim of concluding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as early as possible.