Strengthen Strategic Partnership, Indonesia and Japan Sign 10 MoUs Worth Rp392.7 Trillion

Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Japan strengthen strategic partnerships through the signing of 10 memorandums of understanding (MoU) with a total investment value of US$ 23.1 billion or Rp. 392.7 trillion.

The agreement is the main result of the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum in Tokyo, and marks a new phase of economic cooperation between the two countries that is more modern, resilient, and future-oriented.

The relationship between the two countries has been established for 68 years in various strategic sectors, including the economy, politics, and social culture.

During an official visit to Japan since Sunday, March 29, 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, with a state meeting agenda with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Entering the second day, Monday, March 30, President Prabowo along with a number of ministers of the Indonesian Advanced Cabinet attended the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo.

On this occasion, President Prabowo emphasized that the economic relations that have been built for decades cannot be separated from the great contribution of Japanese companies in various sectors in Indonesia, while encouraging faster and wider cooperation.

"I am here not only to continue the existing partnership, but to push it to a higher and faster level. The world is getting smaller. There is no other choice but close cooperation in all fields. I believe that strong economic relations and partnerships will produce sustainable peace and friendship. If we have common interests, we will take care of the present and the future," said Prabowo in his statement, Tuesday, March 31.

This forum is also an important momentum for Indonesia to assert its position as Japan's main strategic partner in the region and currently, the economic relationship between the two countries continues to show strengthening, reflected by Japan's position as Indonesia's fourth largest export destination with a value of 17.61 billion US dollars.

In terms of investment, Japan ranks fifth as the largest investor in Indonesia with a value of 3.13 billion US dollars, which flows into the automotive, transportation, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

In addition, Japan has also played a role in the development of large-scale infrastructure, including in the transportation, port, energy, and urban areas sectors through various cooperation schemes.

Prabowo also assessed that Japanese investment has superior quality thanks to high discipline, mastery of technology, and long-term commitment, so that it is recognized globally.

He also conveyed a personal appreciation for the close relationship that has been established between the two countries.

"Japan brings quality in investment, discipline, technology, and long-term commitment. That is why Japanese investment is respected, not only in Indonesia but also around the world and personally I really appreciate this relationship," said Prabowo.

On the other hand, the update of the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) is expected to increase market access, expand collaboration, and modernize the bilateral economic framework.

On the same occasion, Airlangga conveyed that in the future, Indonesia and Japan target cooperation that goes beyond traditional patterns with a focus on future solutions, including energy transition and green growth, industrial transformation and downstream, as well as strengthening global supply chains.

"This business-to-business meeting and exchange of MoUs is a concrete step towards building a stronger partnership. Indonesia believes that the future of this partnership lies in working, innovating, and growing together, so that it can shape a future of shared prosperity, not only for the two countries, but also for the Indo-Pacific region," said Airlangga.