Indonesia, Japan Move to Deepen Economic Partnership Amid Global Uncertainty

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo - The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tokyo and the Indonesian Business Council (IBC) have agreed to strengthen Indonesia–Japan economic cooperation.

Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir emphasized that the partnership must be built on trusted interdependence.

She noted that such cooperation is essential amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, energy uncertainty, climate change, and rapid technological transformation.

“The solution for Indonesia and Japan is not isolation, but trusted interdependence,” she said on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Kartini also highlighted the renewed commitment expressed during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Japan in March 2026, which she said further solidified bilateral ties and advanced efforts toward more concrete, results‑oriented cooperation.

“Indonesia brings natural resources, critical minerals, labor, and a strategic geopolitical position,” she said. Meanwhile, Japan contributes strengths in technology, financing, industrial standards, and production discipline.

Kartini stressed that this combination is vital for building resilient and diversified value chains.

To support this goal, the embassy convened a dialogue bringing together stakeholders from both countries--government officials, business leaders, research institutions, academics, and international organizations. The aim, she said, is to advance Indonesia-Japan cooperation amid growing geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.

IBC Supervisory Board Chair Arsjad Rasjid underscored the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector, particularly in strengthening energy security and talent mobility across the Asia‑Pacific region.

He also highlighted initiatives such as the ASEAN Regional Fuel Stockpiling Framework and the ASEAN Power Grid. “These are strategic steps to reinforce regional energy security and connectivity,” he said.

Arsjad expressed hope that intensive dialogue with Japanese counterparts would produce concrete recommendations, especially on energy security, supply chains, critical minerals, energy transition, and decarbonization. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)