President Joko Widodo engaged in a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on December 16, 2023, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo.
In their discussions, the two leaders delved into the collaboration between Indonesia and Japan across diverse sectors.
One key agenda was the partnership between the two nations in the development of the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.
President Jokowi expressed gratitude for Japan’s commitment to the construction of the east-west line and expressed optimism for the timely completion of the subsequent phases, particularly the north-south lines 2A and 2B.
Significance of Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)
The meeting also addressed Indonesia’s role as the co-initiator of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). President Jokowi underscored the significance of inclusive decarbonization cooperation and the transfer of low-carbon technologies.
Additionally, he sought support for the acceleration of three priority projects: geothermal power plants in Muara Laboh, waste-to-energy in Legok Nangka, and peatland management in Central Kalimantan.
The leaders explored cooperation in critical minerals and maritime sectors, with President Jokowi expressing the hope that Japan would bolster Indonesia’s downstream mineral industry progress.
He emphasized Indonesia’s vital role in the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and called for support in economic development, particularly in the outermost islands, including the fishing industry and grants for patrol and fishing vessels.
The issue of Palestine also featured in the discussions, where President Jokowi reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to pursuing a permanent ceasefire, establishing sustainable humanitarian aid, and promoting a peaceful process for a two-state solution. He expressed anticipation for Japan’s support in these efforts.
Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were key figures including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi.
