Puan Invites Japan To Strengthen Cooperation: Weightly Embraced, Lightly Equallyjinjing

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

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, attended a diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia and 66 years of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan held by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo. On this occasion, Puan invited Japan to increase cooperation in various sectors including community relations between the two countries.

The Diplomatic Reception for the commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia and 66 years of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan was held at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Tokyo, Wednesday, November 20 evening local time. This event was attended by the Chairman of the Japanese Parliament Nukaga Fukushiro, Japanese Foreign Minister Miyaji Takuma, Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi, and a number of other Japanese figures.

"It is an honor for me to attend this Diplomatic Reception, celebrate Indonesia's 79th independence day," said Puan in her remarks.

Puan said that 2024 is the first year of implementing a comprehensive collaboration between Indonesia and Japan in line with the increase in bilateral relations between the two countries into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.

"Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Partnership can be a momentum for Indonesia and Japan to strengthen existing cooperation to a higher level in politics, economy, and socio-cultural areas," he said.

"This partnership is a reflection of bilateral relations based on mutual benefits, mutual respect, and complementary," added Puan.

According to the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, bilateral relations with this model will be a model of collaboration that is able to answer the challenges of the 21st century. Puan believes that when Indonesia and Japan synergize and combine potential, the two countries can contribute to peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and its surroundings.

"As chairman of the DPR, I encourage the implementation of our Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership to have a real beneficial impact on our society," said the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI.

Furthermore, Puan encourages Indonesia-Japan relations to focus on people-oriented relationships. This means that relations can be felt directly by the people of the two countries.

Indonesia and Japan have always been partners in many important agendas in the region for the sake of regional peace, stability, and prosperity and the world. I am also happy that political, economic and socio-cultural relations between the two countries are at their highest point," said Puan.

"There is an Indonesian saying that I think describes the relationship between Indonesia and Japan, namely Weightly and held, light as being gossiped' or'many hands make light work'. This means that we must work together as equal partners, in good or bad times," continued Bung Karno's grandson.

Puan added that this spirit will be a strong foundation for Indonesia and Japan to move forward. Because together, the two countries will be stronger and more prosperous.

Finally, I ask all those present in this hall to work together and strengthen our commitment to deepen Indonesia and Japan's relations. Thank you, Drypto arigatmasogozaimasu," said Puan.

In line with Puan, Japanese Foreign Minister Miyaji Takuma also talked about the relationship between Indonesia-Japan's comprehensive strategic dimensions which have the same fundamental values and principles, including democracy. He also mentioned various collaborations between the two countries such as infrastructure projects including Jakarta's Rapid Transit (MRT) Metropolitan, as well as exchanges between the two countries that are also active.

Last year, around 430,000 Indonesians visited Japan, surpassing the number before Covid-19. The number of Indonesians living in Japan has also increased rapidly in recent years. Currently, more than 170,000 Indonesians are active in Japan," explained Miyaji Takuma.

Mr. Takuma also conveyed a positive Japanese response to the Osaka-Kansai Exhibition which will be held next year.

My government is very happy to welcome Indonesia's participation. We hope more visitors to Japan along with this Exhibition. Japan and Indonesia are partners to work together, not only in bilateral relations, but also in regional and international issues," he explained.

"Along with the deteriorating international situation, cooperation between Japan and Indonesia is becoming increasingly relevant. Based on the layered friendship we have established over the years, we intend to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields and improve our collaboration," continued Mr. Takuma.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, said that the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's Diplomatic Reception and 66 years of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan could be a milestone in the history of relations between the two countries. He said he was looking forward to interesting prospects for the RI-Japan collaboration in the future.

The landscape of Indonesia-Japan relations relies on mutual trust, respect, and shared values. Our deep political relationship is also exemplified with the reciprocal visit of the two leaders," explained Heri Akhmadi.

Heri also mentioned about Indonesia and Japan, which are both entering a new era of government leadership.