Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, emphasized the significance of enhancing the bond between Indonesia and Japan, emphasizing their history of being long-standing friends. Subianto's visit to Tokyo came after a recent trip to China where he underscored the importance of stable relations with China amidst tensions in the South China Sea, reaffirming a friendly policy towards Beijing during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Japan has been actively seeking closer ties with Southeast Asian nations, particularly in areas such as maritime security and defense, in response to China's growing military assertiveness. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Subianto's visit to Tokyo, emphasizing the mutual values and principles shared by Japan and Indonesia, expressing a desire for increased cooperation on regional and global issues as comprehensive and strategic partners. The two countries are exploring opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including development projects in infrastructure and energy, as well as strengthening security and defense cooperation.