Japanese Investment Opportunities in Jakarta Projects to Boost Indonesia's Global Image
An economist from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), Eko Listiyanto, believes that the potential for Japanese investment in strategic infrastructure projects in Jakarta, including transport infrastructure, can improve Indonesia’s image as an investment destination on a global level.
“The value of this is certainly significant because these projects require technology and international-level standards. Ultimately, if this proceeds, it will bring a positive image to the international community, showing that Indonesia possesses high-quality, integrated public transport facilities,” Eko stated when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He noted that the global community appreciates transport infrastructure such as the Jakarta MRT for being clean and orderly. He added that, in general, this will benefit Indonesia’s image, and de facto, the country still requires foreign investment across various sectors that align with investor preferences. He suggested that targeting Japanese investors, given their credibility, could help elevate Indonesia’s standing internationally.
Investment opportunities from Japan for strategic projects in Jakarta are being actively pursued, according to the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir, during a working visit to Jakarta from 4–6 June 2026.
Ambassador Kartini explained that, given the positive track record of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has invested heavily in MRT Phase 1 and the East Pluit Reservoir pump system, Japan has great potential to continue its investment collaboration.
In addition to meeting Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, Ambassador Kartini also engaged in technical discussions and direct inspections of several strategic projects in Jakarta. During a field visit to the Jakarta MRT facilities, she reviewed the progress of Phase 2A construction, which is expected to be operational by 2027 and 2029.
“The sister-province cooperation between Jakarta and Tokyo, which has been active since 1989, is strengthened by the presence of over 10,000 Japanese citizens working in 1,500 companies in the capital. Currently, there are six strategic projects in the Jakarta region with high potential to absorb further investment from Japan,” said Pramono Anung.
The six strategic projects in the Jakarta region include: the expansion of the Jakarta MRT; the Jabodetabek Integrated Transport Mode (MITJ) project; the Sunter Intermediate Treatment Facility (ITF) project; the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) sea wall construction on the north coast; the strengthening of the East Pluit Reservoir Polder System; and the construction of LRT Phase 2 from Kelapa Gading to the Jakarta International Stadium.
This visit follows Governor Pramono Anung’s visit to Tokyo in late April 2026 and his meeting with Tokyo Metropolitan Governor Yuriko Koike. It is targeted that by the 500th anniversary of Jakarta on 22 June 2027, the underground commercial area of the Jakarta MRT, along with the extended line from Bundaran HI to Monas, will be officially inaugurated.