Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, expressing his desire to strengthen relations between the two countries. Subianto, who is currently the defense minister, highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, emphasizing the need to further enhance their relationship. Japan has been seeking closer ties with Southeast Asian countries, particularly in maritime security and defense, in response to China’s growing military presence. Subianto’s visit to China prior to his meeting with Kishida aimed to underscore Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining stable relations with China amidst tensions in the South China Sea.
China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner, with Beijing investing in key infrastructure projects in the country. Indonesia has maintained a neutral stance amid the escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Kishida welcomed Subianto’s early visit to Tokyo and reiterated Japan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Indonesia in various regional and global issues. Both countries are strategic partners that share basic values and principles, and Japan hopes to contribute to Indonesia’s development in areas such as infrastructure, energy, security, and defense.
Kishida and Subianto discussed enhancing defense cooperation during their meeting, with a focus on expanding joint exercises in the Indo-Pacific region and engaging in capacity building programs. Japan is determined to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law. The meeting between Kishida and Subianto took place just before Kishida’s trip to Washington for a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, where they will also hold talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reinforce security ties among the three countries.
Subianto also held talks with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, where they pledged to enhance defense cooperation between Japan and Indonesia. Both ministers expressed their commitment to deepening ties through joint exercises, capacity building programs, and educational initiatives. Kihara emphasized the importance of working together as maritime nations to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The discussions between Subianto and Kihara highlight the growing partnership between Japan and Indonesia in the areas of security and defense.
Overall, Subianto’s visit to Japan reiterated the strong bond between the two countries and set the stage for enhanced cooperation in various strategic areas. Japan’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s development and security, as well as their joint efforts to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, reflect the shared values and principles that underpin their partnership. The meetings between Subianto, Kishida, and Kihara underscore the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing regional challenges and fostering peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
