Presiden Joko Widodo Holds Bilateral Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

INTI,- President Joko Widodo conducted a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima on Saturday, May 20, 2023. In his opening remarks, the Head of State expressed his appreciation for the invitation extended by the Japanese government for Indonesia to attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Hiroshima.

"Your Excellency, thank you for the invitation to the G7 Summit. Japan is an important and strategic partner for Indonesia. I agree to enhance our partnership to make it broader and more concrete," said the President.

During the meeting, the President also discussed several issues related to the enhancement of bilateral partnership, including the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA). Indonesia hopes that the negotiations regarding IJEPA can be concluded by September 2023.

"As this has been going on for a long time. The elimination of tariffs on canned tuna products, expansion of job opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in the tourism and industrial sectors, and the implementation of capacity building," stated the President.

Furthermore, the President and Prime Minister Kishida discussed Indonesia-Japan trade. According to the President, Indonesia has provided flexibility for agricultural products from Fukushima.

"I request flexibility from Japan regarding the expansion of access for Indonesian tropical fruits, including mangoes," expressed the President.

Regarding investment, the President stated that an acceleration is needed in the completion of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project in Indonesia. The President proposed the direct appointment of Japanese contractors.

"Regarding the construction of the Nusantara Capital, I welcome the signing of 5 Memoranda of Understanding with JICA, JBIC, JCODE, JIBH & UR," said the President.

Another topic discussed during the meeting was energy transition. The President mentioned that Indonesia is pushing for the accelerated realization of Japan's commitment of USD 500 million for low-carbon technologies and the expedited phasing-out of coal-fired power plants, as well as the implementation of business agreements by PLN, Pupuk Indonesia, Pertamina, and their Japanese partners, as part of efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.

Lastly, regarding Myanmar, the President stated that Japan's support is needed for delivering humanitarian aid through the AHA Centre and the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through participation in the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum.

Accompanying the President in this meeting were the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, the Cabinet Secretary, Pramono Anung, the Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, Bambang Susantono, the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, and the Director of East Asia at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Santo Darmosumarto. ***. Hans