Indonesia-Japan Summit Expected to Highlight Indo-Pacific Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is reportedly planning a visit to Japan later this month for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in a move expected to underscore growing cooperation between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported on Thursday, March 5, 2026, that Japan intends to reaffirm its solidarity with Indonesia in promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), highlighting Indonesia’s strategic importance to international shipping routes, Antara reported.

The initiative comes as China continues efforts to expand its influence in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to the report, which cited several Japanese government sources.

Sources said President Prabowo is considering a two-day visit starting March 30. If realized, the trip would mark his first visit to Japan since assuming office as Indonesia’s president in October 2024.

Takaichi has previously announced plans to update the Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative, first proposed in 2016 by former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, as a central pillar of Japan’s diplomacy.

To advance the strategy, Takaichi intends to prioritize strengthening relations with ASEAN member states.

Indonesia is also among the recipients of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, which provides defense equipment to partner countries. According to the Kyodo report, Japan agreed in January 2025 to supply high-speed patrol vessels to Indonesia.

During their meeting, President Prabowo and PM Takaichi are also expected to exchange views on economic cooperation, including efforts to strengthen supply chains for critical commodities. ***