Emperor Naruhito And Queen Masako Visit Indonesia, Indonesian Ambassador: Strengthening Relations And Cooperation Between Two Countries

Ambassador Heri and Emperor Naruhito during their visit to Indonesia. (Doc. ANTARA/Juwita Trisna Rahayu)

TOKYO - Emperor Naruhito and Queen Owada Masako spent seven days in Indonesia. The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, considers the visit of the Emperor of Japan and the Queen of Masako on June 17-23 as a signal of strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

"Indonesia is the first country visited by the Emperor of Japan during his state visit abroad. Japan really appreciates Indonesia's position among other countries. Japan also sees tangible evidence of Indonesia's success in the G20 and its leadership in ASEAN, including Indonesia's presence at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima," Heri said in Tokyo, Saturday, as quoted by ANTARA, June 24.

Heri also interpreted the visit of Emperor Naruhito and Queen Masako as a sincere and united relationship, in line with the theme of the 65th anniversary of Indonesia-Japan relations.

According to him, Emperor Naruhito's visit to various locations in Indonesia should be interpreted as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the water sector. This is in line with Indonesia's promotion as the host of the World Water Forum in 2024.

"Kaisar Naruhito really cares about the issue of water. He is the 3rd World Water Forum honor president in 2003. In Jakarta, the Emperor visited the Pluit Sluice Gate, and in Yogyakarta he visited the Sabo Dam. The Sabo Dam was designed with Japan, including the Pluit Sluice Gate. I am promoting this visit in accordance with Indonesia's plan to host the World Water Forum," he explained.

Not only water problems, but the visit of the Emperor of Japan to the MRT Depot in Lebak Bulus also gave a good impression. The Emperor saw not only the technical operational aspects of the MRT, but also the cleaning factor and management of consumer services.

"MRT is an iconic project for Jakarta. This is an extraordinary collaboration between Indonesia and Japan. At the Bogor Palace, I reported to President Joko Widodo that the Emperor's visit to the MRT Depot was very impressive," he added.

Heri emphasized that MRT cooperation is not only related to technical aspects, but also with discipline.

Currently, MRT has been operating for four years without an accident (zero accident), on time 99.9 percent, and in a clean depot condition.

"In my opinion, this MRT collaboration can also create a good work culture and discipline. The MRT operation is fully carried out by Indonesian citizens," he concluded.