Prabowo Seeks to Elevate Indonesia-Japan Partnership, Notes World Growing Smaller

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto expressed his desire for the partnership between Indonesia and Japan to be elevated and progress more rapidly while attending the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on Monday (30/3/2026). “I am here not only to continue the existing partnership but to drive it to a higher and faster level,” said Prabowo on Monday, quoted from the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel. Prabowo stated that close cooperation is necessary amid a world that is increasingly connected. He believes that a strong economic partnership will create sustainable peace and friendship. Prabowo also emphasised that Japan is a very important partner for Indonesia. Economic relations between the two countries have been established for decades with significant contributions from Japanese companies in various sectors. The Head of State also conveyed his appreciation to Japanese business actors who have long invested in Indonesia and become part of the nation’s development journey. Moreover, he regards Japan as Indonesia’s most trusted economic partner. Japanese investment is assessed to be of high quality with characteristics of discipline, technological mastery, and long-term commitment. “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 value this relationship,” he said. Prabowo then highlighted Indonesia’s ongoing transformation that is moving forward and becoming more competitive compared to two decades ago. He affirmed that Indonesia is currently entering a new phase of faster growth, with a strong commitment to enhancing competitiveness and creating a more conducive investment climate. “You must also know that Indonesia today is no longer the Indonesia you knew 20 or 25 years ago. We are moving faster than before. We are striving to be more competitive and are determined to enter a new growth phase,” said Prabowo.