Jokowi, PM Kishida Discuss Enhancing Indonesia-Japan Partnership

VIVA – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister (PM) of Japan,  Fumio Kishida at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima on Saturday.

During the meeting, President Widodo expressed his appreciation for the invitation from the Japanese government for Indonesia to attend the G7 Summit in Hiroshima.

"Thank you for the invitation to the G7 Summit. Japan is an important and strategic partner of Indonesia. I agree to enhance our partnership to be broader and more concrete," the President stated during the working visit on the second day.

The President also discussed a number of issues related to improving the partnership between the two countries, including the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA). Indonesia hopes that IJEPA negotiations can be completed by September 2023.

"Because this has been going on for a long time. The elimination of tariffs on canned tuna products, expansion of PMI work fields in the tourism and industrial sectors, and implementation of capacity building," the President stated.

In addition, the President and PM Kishida also discussed Indonesia-Japan trade. According to the President, Indonesia has provided flexibility for agricultural products from Fukushima.

"I ask Japan for flexibility regarding the expansion of access to Indonesian tropical fruits, including mangoes," the President informed.

As for investment, President Jokowi said that acceleration is needed regarding the completion of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) construction project in Indonesia. The President suggested direct appointment of Japanese contractors.

"Regarding the development of IKN Nusantara, I welcome the signing of 5 Memorandum of Understanding with JICA, JBIC, JCODE, JIBH & UR," the President said.

Another discussion at the meeting was related to energy transition.

The President said that Indonesia encourages the acceleration of the realization of Japan's commitment of USD 500 million for low-carbon technology and the acceleration of the termination of PLTU, as well as the implementation of business agreements by PLN, Pupuk Indonesia, Pertamina, with Japanese partners as an effort to achieve net zero emission.

Lastly, regarding Myanmar, the President said that Japan's support is needed to deliver humanitarian assistance through the AHA Center and the implementation of AOIP through participation in the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum.