Agenda of the Vice President's 5-Day Visit to Japan, Exploration of Sharia Economy and Inauguration of the Istiqlal Mosque in Osaka

JAKARTA - Vice President (Wapres) Ma'ruf Amin left for Japan, Sunday 5 March morning. The Vice President is scheduled to have a working visit for five days in Japan from 5-9 March 2023.

A spokesperson for Vice President Masduki Baidlowi said the Vice President's visit to Japan would take place in Osaka and Kyoto. The mission brought by the Vice President is to increase cooperation between the two countries in the field of Islamic economics and finance.

According to Masduki, there are several main agendas that the Vice President will undertake in Japan, including bilateral talks between the two countries.

"Discussions (are being held) between the Vice President as the Indonesian government and several elements of the Japanese government, including the governor", said Masduki in Jakarta, Sunday, March 5, reported by Antara.

He said that apart from holding bilateral meetings, the Vice President will also speak at a symposium at Kyoto University, which is the second-best university in Japan.

"He is the keynote speaker at Kyoto University and the Vice President will talk about Indonesia's experience as a plural country that can live peacefully in a religious context", he said.

He said Japan is a country that has also been successful in carrying out peaceful religious life well and Indonesia also has the same experience.

In addition, the Vice President will also inaugurate the Istiqlal Mosque in Osaka, which is the largest mosque in Japan.

"This mosque is the pride of Indonesian citizens in Japan. Apart from that, there are also talks with the people in Osaka and Kyoto", he said.

The Vice President and his wife and a limited entourage left for Japan from Jakarta's Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 08.30 WIB, using a Garuda Airbus A330 aircraft, to Kansai International Airport, Osaka.

After travelling for approximately 7 hours, the Vice President is expected to arrive in Osaka at 17.30 local time (WS) and will be greeted by the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan and the Federation of Micronesia Heri Akhmadi, Indonesian Consul General in Osaka Diana Emilla Sari Sutikno, Defense Attache RI Tokyo Col. (AF) Andi Bur Abadi and Ambassador Tsutomu Himeno.

Furthermore, the Vice President and his wife will head to a hotel in Osaka to rest.

On the second day Monday, March 6, the Vice President is scheduled to meet with Chairman Ezaki Glico Co at the Imperial Osaka Hotel.

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Then the Vice President will inaugurate the Istiqlal Mosque in Osaka. The inauguration will be marked by the signing of the inscription and the opening of the mosque's nameplate curtain in the yard.

On this occasion, the Vice President will also review the halal mart on the 1st floor of the mosque and take a photo with the administrators of the Osaka Istiqlal Mosque

Afterwards, the Vice President will attend the Indonesian National Dialogue event at the Imperial Osaka Hotel.

On the third day, Tuesday 7 March, the Vice President will depart for Kyoto to hold a dialogue with the Halal Product Diaspora.

On the fourth day, Wednesday 8 March, the Vice President's series of activities included receiving an audience with the Governor of Kyoto at the Kyoto Guest House, as well as giving a public lecture at Kyoto University.

The Vice President will also witness the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) between KNEKS and Kyoto University regarding sharia financial cooperation, as well as hold a meeting with the President of Kyoto University.

On the fifth day, Thursday, March 9, the Vice President and his entourage will depart for the country via Kansai Airport, Osaka.