President Prabowo reportedly to visit Japan in late March

Tokyo — President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, is reportedly set to visit Japan and hold a summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the end of March. Kyodo News reported on Thursday (5 March) that Japan will reaffirm its solidarity in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region with Indonesia, which holds a strategic position for shipping. The report notes that China is seeking to strengthen its influence in ASEAN, according to sources in the Japanese government. The sources said Prabowo is considering a two-day visit on 30 March. The trip would be Prabowo’s first to Japan since taking office in October 2024. Prime Minister Takaichi has outlined plans to renew Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative as a pillar of its diplomacy. Indonesia is a recipient of Japan’s official development assistance in the form of defence equipment to partner countries, Kyodo reported. It was noted that in January 2025 Japan agreed to provide high-speed patrol ships to Indonesia. Prabowo and Takaichi will also exchange views on economic matters, including strengthening supply chains for critical commodities.