Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has extended Japan's full support for Indonesia's G20 presidency. Regarding his visit, Kompas had the opportunity to conduct a written interview with Kishida.
By
BENNY DWI KOESTANTO
·4 minutes read
AFP/VARIOUS SOURCES/DAVID MAREUIL
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attends a press conference in Tokyo on April 26, 2022, addressing some topics such as political and social issues facing Japan.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is arriving in Jakarta on Friday (29/4/2022) for a two-day visit, during which he is scheduled to meet President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
In addition to maintaining relations between the two countries, the visit aims to strengthen cooperation in various fields. Kishida calls Indonesia as its best partner in realizing the “new capitalism” as an agenda of his office.
Kishida has also extended Japan's full support for Indonesia's G20 presidency. Regarding his visit, Kompas had the opportunity to conduct a written interview with Kishida. Here's an excerpt:
Question (Q): What is the purpose and meaning of Mr. Kishida's visit to Indonesia? Are there any new programs or collaborations?
Answer (A): Japan and Indonesia have been friends for more than 60 years. The Japanese government has from time to time emphasized the importance of the relations with Indonesia. The two countries have built close relations in various fields, such as politics, economy, culture and people-to-people exchange. This policy remains unwavering in my government. This visit is proof of that.
In recent years, the two countries have faced many challenges, such as the situation in Ukraine, the issue of the East China Sea and South China Sea, as well as the situation in North Korea and Myanmar. In order to maintain regional peace and prosperity, it is important to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
From that point of view, through this visit, Japan will accelerate the concrete cooperation for the realizations of the two countries’ visions based on common values and basic principles, namely "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific" initiated by Indonesia and "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" promoted by Japan. For example, Japan will ramp up cooperation in infrastructure, energy, digital, health, disaster mitigation, defense, maritime security and economic security assurance, as well as cyber issues.
Indonesia, which is currently pursuing cooperation in these fields, is our best partner in realizing the “new capitalism” I have set sight on.
What’s happening in Ukraine is a serious situation that jolts the foundation of the international order, including Asia. Anywhere, the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity by the use or threat of force and unilateral attempts to change the status quo by means of force is unacceptable.
AFP/POOL/DAVID MAREUIL
Japan"s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attends a press conference in Tokyo on April 26, 2022, addressing some topics such as political and social issues facing Japan.
Japan calls for a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on international law. It is very important for Indonesia, which currently chairs the G20 this year, and Japan, which will chair the G7 next year, to establish a common ground along with the main countries responsible for the international community, and share that common ground to the whole world.
Q: We learn that Japan and Indonesia are working on the proposed Public Private Track 1.5 cooperation program: Japan Indonesia Co-Creation Partnership for Innovative and Sustainable Economic Society. How is it progressing?
A: The two countries have close economic ties. There are around 1,800 Japanese companies in Indonesia operating in various fields, making Japan an indispensable trading and investment partner for Indonesia.
Based on the "Asia Future Investment Initiative" released in January this year, Japan intends to promote new, future-oriented investments in the areas of supply chain, connectivity, digital innovation, human resource development and greenery / de-carbonization, as well as helping create a future region together with other regional countries.
Russia's aggression against Ukraine is grave violation of international law that shakes the foundation of the international order, including Asia.
Q: In a telephone call with President Jokowi on March 8, Mr. Kishida mentioned Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Regarding Indonesia's G20 presidency, what message did you convey to President Jokowi?
A: Russia's aggression against Ukraine is grave violation of international law that shakes the foundation of the international order, including Asia. We realize and the international community believes that relations with Russia are unlikely to proceed as before. Under the G20 perspective, appropriate responses are needed via discussions with member countries, including Indonesia as the G20 president, while looking at the situation ahead carefully.
Indonesia as the G20 president this year has set priorities on digital-based economic transformation, energy transition and the health sector with the theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger", and now is the right time to achieve that goal. Japan provides Indonesia with as maximum support as possible for the success of the G20 Bali Summit.
