Indonesia Seeks Japan Trade Partnership Amid Global Challenges
Collaboration Aimed at Strengthening Economic Resilience
Indonesia is actively pursuing closer economic ties with Japan to navigate increasing complexities in the global trade landscape, focusing on policy alignment and market diversification. The initiative comes as global trade volume is projected to grow by only 2.6% in 2024, according to the World Trade Organization, highlighting the need for strategic partnerships.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
During a meeting in Tokyo on Monday, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti, engaged with representatives from the Japan Indonesia Association (JAPINDA) to discuss overcoming current trade obstacles. Esti reaffirmed Indonesia’s dedication to a trade system governed by established rules and emphasized the importance of open dialogue to find solutions.
“At the national level, we are striving to enhance transparency, ensure regulatory certainty, drive market diversification, and strengthen domestic market resilience. Hence, we would like to invite Japanese business actors to cooperate in navigating this challenging time,”
—Dyah Roro Esti, Deputy Minister of Trade
Esti highlighted President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita, an eight-point plan prioritizing simplified trade policies, multilateralism, market diversification, and bolstering foreign exchange reserves. She also praised JAPINDA’s role in attracting investment to Indonesia.
Sectoral Focus for Investment
Indonesia is specifically seeking Japanese investment and collaboration in key sectors including automotive, energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Esti encouraged JAPINDA to continue its sectoral cooperation to drive economic development in these areas.
Norio Yamazaki, Senior Executive Director of JAPINDA, expressed his organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Indonesia-Japan relations through various initiatives. These include seminars, a monthly publication focused on Indonesia, Indonesian language courses, and exchange visits.
“These activities are expected to help strengthen ties between Indonesia and Japan across various vital sectors in addition to the economy. This way, we can expect to see significant benefits for both nations,”
—Norio Yamazaki, Senior Executive Director, JAPINDA
These efforts aim to foster deeper connections beyond economics, benefiting both countries across multiple sectors. Indonesia’s push for stronger ties with Japan reflects a broader strategy to diversify its economic partnerships and build resilience against global trade headwinds.
Related story: Indonesia urges Japan to expand investment in trade sector
Related story: Indonesia introduces its carbon trading potential to Japan
