KBRN, Jakarta: The Japanese government has awarded two Indonesian figures in recognition of their contributions to strengthening Japan-Indonesia relations. They are former Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. The two were named in Japan’s 2025 spring decorations announcement, according to a statement from the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday (29/4/2025).

Marty Natalegawa received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. He served as minister of foreign affairs under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during the latter’s second term from 2009 to 2014.

In 2011, Marty initiated the first-ever Japan-Indonesia Ministerial Strategic Dialogue. As the head of Indonesia’s diplomatic authority, he also played a key role in ensuring the success of high-level visits between leaders of both nations. Marty also led ASEAN’s efforts to support Japan following the devastating earthquake that struck the country's eastern coast in March 2011.

“He led the Special Japan-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Jakarta following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and worked tirelessly to support Japan not only bilaterally but through ASEAN as a whole,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, Airlangga Hartarto was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. He served as Minister of Industry in 2016 and has been the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs since 2019. Airlangga is credited with strengthening Japan-Indonesia ties, particularly in the economic sector.

The Japanese government acknowledged Airlangga as a key driver of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) in Indonesia, an initiative originally proposed by Japan. He played a significant role in developing bilateral economic cooperation and advancing joint projects with Japanese companies.

“He listened to the concerns of many Japanese companies operating in Indonesia and used his government expertise to improve the business climate, including mitigating the impact of domestic protectionist policies,” the statement said.

Source: Japanese Embassy in Jakarta