Indonesia Invites Japan to Develop EV Ecosystem in ASEAN

Jakarta – During the ASEAN-Japan Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, Indonesia invited Japan to work together to develop an electric vehicle ecosystem in ASEAN.

There are two areas of cooperation that need to be encouraged to realize the Indo-Pacific as a growth center. First, the development of electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in ASEAN countries.

"We have often discussed this. Now it's time to turn the plan into reality. ASEAN and Japan will both benefit from this collaboration," The Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said after the meeting.

Japan is making the transition to 100 percent electric vehicles by 2035, and wants to become a leader in the electric vehicle industry. In this case, ASEAN is the right partner for Japan to develop electric vehicle batteries.

"Japan can support this cooperation, including through the Green Innovation Fund. The electric vehicle ecosystem will not only bring prosperity to the region, but also bring us one step closer to a carbon-free society," the Minister said.

Second, cooperation in maintaining regional peace and stability. Indonesia believes that Japan also wants a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

"We want an inclusive regional architecture, where all countries can feel secure. Only then can we focus on making our region a growth center."

This year's 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations is a momentum to strengthen cooperation. On the economic front, the meeting welcomed the ASEAN-Japan Economic Creation Vision to foster various cooperation in the areas of digital economy, innovative financing for infrastructure, green economy to support sustainable development, MSME support, and strengthening global supply chains.

The meeting also raised the importance of identifying other strategic cooperation, including in the areas of energy transition, science and technology, cultural cooperation as well as tourism and youth.

In addition, in the health sector, the meeting encouraged the implementation of the establishment of the ASEAN Public Health and Infectious Disease Emergency Center.

Japan is ready to support ASEAN, including through the AZEC (Asia Zero Emission Community) initiative and quality infrastructure development.