Meeting Japan's Foreign Minister In Singapore, Airlangga Discusses Energy And Infrastructure Transition

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto (Photo: dock. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto held a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Tsuji Kiyoto on the sidelines of holding the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Level Meeting.

The meeting aims to discuss the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) accession process by Indonesia and cooperation opportunities for both countries in several economic sectors, especially in the field of energy and infrastructure transition.

In addition, the two Ministers discussed opportunities for cooperation between the two countries related to the follow-up to several agreements on IPEF Pilar II, III, and IV. As well as regarding the plan to sign amendments to the IJEPA protocol in the third half of 2024, it also became discussed at the meeting.

On this occasion, Airlangga Hartarto expressed his appreciation from the Indonesian government for the role of Japan as Chair of OECD for the 2019-2020 period, which has become a bilateral partner for the OECD accession process by Indonesia.

Airlangga then also conveyed the condition of the bilateral economic relationship between Indonesia and Japan which is closely related to investment.

"Japan is a colleague of the Indonesian economy who actively promotes trade, investment, and several national infrastructure projects," Airlangga said in his statement, Thursday, June 6.

Airlangga explained that the cooperation relationship between the Indonesian and Japanese economies has been established since April 1958 and has produced several essential infrastructure projects for national economic conditions, one of which is the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project which is planned to be expanded in the North-South MRT Lane as the second phase of development.

In addition, Japan is also a bilateral partner of Indonesia which strongly encourages the national clean energy transition through several forums such as AZEC and JETP, as well as forums in critical mineral management.

"Apart from some of these extensive cooperations, Indonesia also appreciates the plan to demonstrate the IJEPA protocol in the third half of 2024," continued Coordinating Minister Airlangga.

Airlangga hopes that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan can continue to improve and take place closely so that they can support and succeed in the OECD accession process by Indonesia which is planned to be completed in 2027.

In addition, Airlangga also hopes that the two countries can continue a number of cooperation commitments in the infrastructure sector and the sustainable energy transition process.