Meeting Emperor Naruhito At Kempinski Hotel, Puan Puji Jepang Important Partner Indonesia

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani (Dok DPR Photo)

JAKARTA - When meeting with Emperor Hironomiya Naruhito, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, expressed her hope that Indonesia's diplomatic relations with Japan would be further strengthened.

Puan's meeting with Emperor Naruhito took place at the Kempinski Hotel Ballroom, Senayan, Monday, June 19 evening. Puan's audience with Emperor Naruhito was held with the Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono.

Puan and a number of these ministers are members of Group A who held an audience with Emperor Naruhito and sat on the same table. Emperor Naruhito then conveyed greeting to each group representative.

In the hearing with Emperor Naruhito, a number of important Indonesian figures were also present. Puan became a representative of Group A who received a greeting from Emperor Naruhito.

At the hearing, Puan expressed her appreciation for the good relations between Indonesia and Japan. According to him, diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan have been well established for 65 years and there have been many collaborations carried out by the two countries.

"With all forms of support provided, Japan has proven itself as a partner who is committed to helping Indonesia achieve sustainable economic progress," said Puan.

The cumulative cooperation in the Indonesian-Japan economic sector from 2016 to the third quarter of 2022 reached USD 27.28 billion. Japanese investment mainly comes from the industrial sector of motorized vehicles, electricity-gas-water, housing, offices, and industrial estates as well as the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

Puan also emphasized her commitment to providing political support for the strengthening of relations between Indonesia and Japan. The DPR itself already has a Bilateral Cooperation Group (GKSB) between the Indonesian parliament and Japan.

Through the GKSB Indonesia-Japan, the DPR has shown its seriousness in strengthening political, economic, social, cultural and security relations between the two countries.

"This reflects the DPR's commitment to maintaining and strengthening harmonious political relations between Indonesia and Japan," continued Puan.

Puan also emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the community, especially between the younger generation. Including the exchange of young lawmakers between the two countries.

Puan said the younger generation has a central role in shaping the future of the country. Therefore, strengthening relations is needed to create a strong foundation for sustainable cooperation between Indonesia and Japan.

"This will open up their insight into the best practices in making public policies, empowering the community, and overcoming problems faced by people in their respective countries," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also revealed that as a symbol of unity and stability for the Japanese people, the role of the Emperor in strengthening bilateral relations will have a significant impact in advancing cooperation in various fields. Puan hopes that there will be an increase in cooperation between Indonesia and Japan and the arrival of Emperor Naruhito.

"We really appreciate and expect continued support from the Emperor of Japan in advancing bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan in the future," he said.

"Through strong collaboration and close cooperation, we can create a better and mutually beneficial future for both countries and their people," continued Puan.

Emperor Hironomiya Naruhito's visit to Indonesia was the first since he was crowned the 126th Emperor of Japan in 2019. The Emperor and Queen will be in Indonesia for seven days.

While in the country, Emperors Naruhito and Queen are scheduled to carry out a number of activities such as visiting the Lebak Bulus MRT Depot, Pluit Reservoir Pump Station, to Borobudur Temple, Central Java.

This morning, Emperor Naruhito and Queen were invited by President Joko Widodo to visit the Bogor Botanical Gardens because the emperor was interested in the place. Even Emperor Naruhito and President Jokowi also had time to tour the Bogor Palace and plant the Gaharu Tree together.