Japan, Indonesia deepen strategic partnership in defence and renewable energy

Indonesia and Japan are set to deepen their cooperation in key areas, including defence, energy, and food security, following a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on January 11.

Ishiba became the first foreign leader to visit Indonesia this year, following his visit to neighbouring Malaysia.

During their discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening their bilateral relations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Ishiba outlined Japan’s commitment to collaborating with Indonesia on renewable energy projects and enhancing defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security and technology transfer. He also noted Japan’s pledge to provide Indonesia with a patrol vessel through a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, part of an agreement signed in December.

Prabowo, for his part, highlighted Indonesia's priorities, including a school-free lunch program and efforts to manage its natural resources effectively. He called on Japan to contribute to these initiatives. "We look forward to Japan’s support in tackling our national priorities," Prabowo stated after the meeting.

The visit underscores Japan’s strategic push to enhance ties with Southeast Asia, as part of broader efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Ishiba is also scheduled to speak with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden, further reinforcing Japan’s regional engagement.

Japan and China have long competed for influence in Southeast Asia, a market worth over $3 trillion and home to over 700 million people. While China remains ASEAN’s largest trading partner, Japan is actively working to strengthen its position, especially in the context of the disputed South China Sea.

Indonesia has had several encounters with China over its claim to parts of the South China Sea, especially around the Natuna Islands, which are part of Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. For Prabowo, the meeting with Japan signals Indonesia’s balanced foreign policy stance, as the country continues to navigate the US-China rivalry without taking sides.

By Tamilla Hasanova