Indonesia and Japan Discuss Economic Cooperation at IPEF Ministerial Meeting

Singapore, INTI – During the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, met with Japan's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tsuji Kiyoto, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on Thursday (06/06). The meeting aimed to discuss Indonesia's accession process to the OECD and explore economic cooperation opportunities, particularly in energy transition and infrastructure.

The two ministers delved into potential collaborations following agreements on IPEF Pillars II, III, and IV. They also discussed the planned signing of an amendment to the IJEPA protocol in the third quarter of 2024.

Minister Airlangga Hartarto expressed Indonesia's appreciation for Japan's role as the OECD Chair from 2019-2020 and its support for Indonesia's OECD accession process. He highlighted the robust economic relations between Indonesia and Japan, especially in investment.

"Japan is a significant economic partner for Indonesia, actively promoting trade, investment, and several national infrastructure projects," stated Minister Airlangga.

Economic cooperation between Indonesia and Japan has been ongoing since April 1958, leading to essential infrastructure projects like the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). The MRT project is set to expand with the North-South line as part of its second phase. Additionally, Japan has been a key bilateral partner in promoting Indonesia's clean energy transition through forums such as AZEC and JETP, and in the management of critical minerals.

"Indonesia also appreciates the plan to amend the IJEPA protocol in the third quarter of 2024," Minister Airlangga added.

Concluding the meeting, Minister Airlangga expressed hope for strengthened bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to support Indonesia's OECD accession process, targeted for completion by 2027, and to advance commitments in infrastructure and sustainable energy transition.

Accompanying Minister Airlangga were Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso, Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Haryo Limanseto, Special Staff for Regional Development Acceleration, Infrastructure Development, and Investment Wahyu Utomo, Deputy Assistant for Multilateral Economic Cooperation Ferry Ardiyanto, Deputy Assistant for American and Pacific Economic Cooperation Irwan Sinaga, and Deputy Assistant for Asian Economic Cooperation Bobby C. Siagian.