Jakarta – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Grand Prince Hotel, Hiroshima, Saturday (20/5/2023).
In his introduction, the Head of State expressed his appreciation for the invitation from the Japanese government for Indonesia to attend the G7 Summit in Hiroshima.
“Your Excellency, 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 was quoted as saying in a press release.
During the meeting, the President also discussed a number of matters related to improving the partnership between the two countries, one of which was 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 said.
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 said.
As for investment, the President said that acceleration is needed related to 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 (Capital of the Archipelago), I welcome the signing of 5 Memorandum of Understanding with JICA, JBIC, JCODE, JIBH & UR,” the President said.
Another matter discussed at the meeting was related to energy transition. The President said that Indonesia encourages the acceleration of the realization of Japan’s commitment of 500 million US Dollars for low-carbon technology and the acceleration of the termination of power plants, 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 send humanitarian aid through the AHA Center and the implementation of AOIP through participation in the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum. (InfoPublik/Photo: BPMI Setpres)
