Indonesia and Japan Sign 10 Cooperation Agreements Worth Rp 392.7 Trillion
Indonesia and Japan have built a comprehensive partnership over 68 years in various strategic fields, from economy and politics to social and cultural aspects. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto accompanied President Prabowo Subianto on his official visit to Japan, which began on Sunday (29/3). President Prabowo is scheduled to make a state call with Emperor Naruhito of Japan and meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
On the second day, Monday (30/3), President Prabowo Subianto, Coordinating Minister Airlangga, and several other ministers from the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet attended the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
In that occasion, the President emphasised that the economic relations between the two countries, built over decades, are strongly supported by contributions from Japanese companies in various sectors in Indonesia.
“I am here not only to continue the existing partnership but to push it to a higher and faster level. The world is shrinking. There is no other choice but close cooperation in all fields. I believe that strong economic relations and partnerships will produce lasting peace and friendship. If we have common interests, we will safeguard the present and the future,” stated Prabowo in a written statement on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
This forum serves as an important stage for Indonesia to affirm its position as Japan’s primary strategic partner in the region, while opening a new chapter in more modern, resilient, and future-oriented economic cooperation.
Furthermore, the economic relations between Indonesia and Japan are currently increasingly solid, as evidenced by Japan’s position as Indonesia’s fourth-largest export destination with a value of USD 17.61 billion. Japan is one of the major investors in Indonesia, ranking fifth with total investments of USD 3.13 billion, primarily flowing into the automotive and transportation equipment industry sector, followed by the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Japan also plays an important role in supporting large-scale infrastructure development through government and business entity cooperation schemes as well as development assistance, particularly in transportation, ports, energy, and urban infrastructure sectors.
In front of business leaders, Prabowo also conveyed that Japanese investment is considered high quality with characteristics of discipline, technology mastery, and long-term commitment. The President personally expressed appreciation for the close relations that have been established between the two countries.
“Japan brings quality to investments, discipline, technology, and long-term commitment. That is why Japanese investment is respected, not only in Indonesia but throughout the world, and personally, I greatly appreciate this relationship,” he said.
On the same occasion, 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed with a total cooperation value of around USD 23.1 billion or Rp 392.7 trillion. The renewal of the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) is also expected to strengthen the foundation of cooperation between the two countries through improved market access, expanded collaboration, and modernisation of the bilateral economic framework.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that in the future, cooperation between Indonesia and Japan is hoped to go beyond traditional economic cooperation and shift towards jointly creating future solutions. This can be realised through three main cooperation areas: Energy Transition and Green Growth, Industrial Transformation and Downstreaming, and Strengthening the Global Supply Chain.
“The business-to-business meetings and MoU exchanges are concrete steps towards building a stronger partnership. Indonesia believes that the future of this partnership lies in working, innovating, and growing together, thereby shaping a future full of shared prosperity, not only for the two countries but also for the Indo-Pacific region,” said Airlangga.
Attendees at the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum included, among others, the President’s Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Komori Takuo, Chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organization Norihiko Ishiguro, General Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Anindya Bakrie, as well as representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Keidanren, and JETRO.