Indonesia-Japan Forge Strategic Partnership, Moving Forward Sustainably into the Future
Indonesia and Japan have built a comprehensive partnership over 68 years in various strategic fields, from the economy and politics to socio-culture.
As an effort to strengthen these relations, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto accompanied President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto on an official visit to Japan that began on Sunday (29/3/2026).
During the visit, President Prabowo is scheduled to make a state call with Emperor Naruhito of Japan and meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
On the second day of the visit, President Prabowo, Coordinating Minister Airlangga, and several other members of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet attended the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday (30/3/2026).
“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,” stated President Prabowo in a press release received by Kompas.com on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
“I believe that strong economic relations and partnerships will produce sustainable peace and friendship. If we have shared interests, we will safeguard the present and the future,” he continued.
The forum served as an important platform for Indonesia to affirm its position as Japan’s primary strategic partner in Southeast Asia, while opening a new chapter in more modern, resilient, and future-oriented economic cooperation.
In addition, Japan is one of Indonesia’s major investors, ranking fifth with a total investment of 3.13 billion US dollars. Japanese investment largely flows into the automotive and transportation equipment industry sector, followed by the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector.
Japan also plays an important role in supporting large-scale infrastructure development through government and business cooperation schemes as well as development assistance, particularly in the transportation, ports, energy, and urban infrastructure sectors.
The President also 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. I personally greatly appreciate this relationship,” said President Prabowo.