Meeting with Japanese PM, Vice President Emphasizes the Importance of Indonesia-Japan Strategic Cooperation, particularly in Economic Sector and Human Resources Capacity Development

Tokyo, wapresri.go.id – During his visit to Japan to attend the state funeral procession of Former Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Shinzo Abe, Vice President KH Ma’ruf Amin had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Akasaka Palace, Monday (26/09/2022).

As conveyed by the Spokesperson for Vice President Masduki Baidlowi, at this meeting the Vice President emphasized two important aspects of Indonesia-Japan cooperation, namely cooperation in the economic sector and increasing human resource capacity (HR). This meeting also followed up on the results of President Joko Widodo’s visit to Japan on July 27, 2022.
“The meeting of the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH Ma’ruf Amin, emphasized two main things, namely strengthening economic cooperation and increasing human resource capacity, (including) partnerships in the fields of employment and health,” said Masduki in his press statement after accompanying the Vice President on the courtesy call.
First, on the economic aspect, said Masduki, the Vice President conveyed the importance of signing the Amendment Protocol to the Indonesian-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) at the G20 Bali Summit in November 2022.
In addition, the Vice President also hoped to realize the expansion of new investments and investments worth USD 5.2 billion, the completion of strategic infrastructure projects, as well as the resolution of barriers to access for exports of Indonesian agricultural and fishery products.
“Attention to the cooperation of Islamic finance and industry is also a concern expressed by the Vice President,” he added.
According to Masduki, the Vice President encourages the strengthening of potential cooperation in the field of sharia economy and the halal industry, especially in leading sectors such as food, cosmetics, fashion, including tourism and halal industrial areas.
“Indonesia is ready to become the main partner in the development of the halal business in Japan, among others through the preparation of Muslim-friendly tourism standards in Japanese tourist destinations and halal certification for Japanese products,” he said.

Furthermore, said Masduki, the second thing that the Vice President emphasized to the Japanese PM was related to cooperation in increasing the capacity of human resources. According to him, the Vice President expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support as Indonesia’s human resource development partner through the provision of scholarships and technical training.

“On this occasion, the Vice President hopes that Japan can continue to support the efforts to expand Japanese language training, vocational education, and the strengthening of disaster response communities,” said Masduki.

“In addition, the Vice President also expects Japan’s support for strengthening the research ecosystem in Indonesia to further encourage sustainable innovation,” he added.

Welcoming the Vice President’s presence at his palace, according to Masduki, the Japanese PM expressed his gratitude for the Vice President’s visit to Tokyo to attend the state honor procession for the death of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In addition, PM Kishida also welcomed and was ready to support Indonesia’s leadership in the G-20.

“This is a strategic role carried out by Indonesia and Japan at the international level. Japan is very concerned with regional security and stability in the Asia-Pacific,” he explained.
Likewise, said Masduki, the Japanese PM said that in 2023 Japan would be trusted to hold the Chair of the G-7 and Indonesia as Chair of ASEAN. He also hopes that the two countries can support each other in each of these forums.

“The Japanese PM hopes that the leadership of Japan and Indonesia can contribute to the international and regional levels. For this reason, Japan will strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations and Japan-Indonesia relations which have existed for 60 years,” he said.

Not only that, according to Masduki, the Japanese PM is also committed to discussing strategic points with the Indonesian government so that the IJEPA signing at the G-20 Summit in Bali can be carried out.

“The Japanese PM (also) will follow up on financial cooperation and the halal industry with Indonesia, through special directions to the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia to prepare for cooperation in sharia finance and the halal industry,” he added.

Finally, said Masduki, the Japanese PM believes that the good relations between Indonesia and Japan will continue to improve in the future.

“This meeting further strengthens the strategic partners of Indonesia – Japan, both at the international and regional levels,” he concluded.

On this honorary visit, the Vice President was accompanied by the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi, Head of the Vice President Secretariat Ahmad Erani Yustika, Special Staff for the Vice President Masduki Baidlowi, Deputy Setwapres for Government Policy Support and National Insights Velix Wanggai, Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andy Rachmianto, and Director of East Asia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Santo Darmosumarto. (DMA/LHS-BPMI Setwapres)