Prabowo: Japan is Part of Indonesia's Development Journey

President Prabowo Subianto stated that Japan plays an important role in Indonesia’s economic development. The Chairman of the Gerindra Party expressed this view at the Japan-Indonesia Business Forum held in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, 30 March 2026.

In front of Japanese business leaders, Prabowo said that the country has consistently supported Indonesia’s economic development. “Many of you in this room have been part of that journey,” Prabowo said from the podium, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat on Monday.

Japanese business leaders, he said, have long been in Indonesia. Prabowo assessed that they know Indonesia well, from its society, market, culture, to its potential.

Prabowo said that the current business climate in Indonesia has changed significantly. “You must also know that Indonesia today is no longer the Indonesia you knew 20 or 25 years ago,” he told the Japanese business leaders.

Currently, Prabowo claimed, Indonesia’s business world is moving faster than before. “We are striving to be more competitive and are determined to enter a new growth phase,” said the former Minister of Defence.

In front of the world’s business leaders, President Prabowo also conveyed that Japan is one of Indonesia’s most trusted economic partners. Japan, he said, 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.

The business forum with President Prabowo in Tokyo was organised jointly by the Japan External Trade Organization or JETRO; Keidanren; Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and Kadin Indonesia.

Before visiting the business forum, Prabowo first paid a visit to the Imperial Palace of Japan. Prabowo met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan and his crown prince, Fumihito, at the palace located in Tokyo.