Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto recently met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, aiming to bolster the relationship between the two countries. Subianto, who is set to take over from President Joko Widodo in October, highlighted the historical friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, expressing his desire for increased collaboration in various areas. This meeting follows Subianto's visit to China, where he underlined Indonesia's commitment to maintaining steady relations with Beijing amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
Japan has been actively seeking stronger connections with Southeast Asian nations, particularly in maritime security and defense, in response to China's growing assertiveness in the region. Subianto's decision to prioritize visits to China and Japan underscores the significance of these partnerships in Indonesia's foreign policy agenda. During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's friendly approach to China and its efforts to uphold mutually beneficial relations.
In Tokyo, Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Subianto's early visit and emphasized the enduring friendship and shared values between Japan and Indonesia. Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues as comprehensive strategic partners. Additionally, Japan aims to support Indonesia's development initiatives in sectors such as infrastructure and energy, while also focusing on strengthening collaboration in security and defense matters.
Moreover, the meeting between Subianto and Kishida precedes a significant summit where Japanese Prime Minister Kishida will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, along with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The upcoming talks are anticipated to revolve around reinforcing security ties in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, discussions between Indonesian Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and Prabowo Subianto focused on intensifying defense cooperation, with a focus on joint exercises, capacity building, and educational programs to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region governed by the rule of law.