On January 11, 2025, in Bogor, Indonesia, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a commitment to strengthen their economic and defense partnerships during Ishiba's visit. This face-to-face meeting took place amid escalating global geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning China's assertive activities in the South China Sea.
Ishiba's trip began on January 10, 2025, in Jakarta, following discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur. The aim of Ishiba's engagements in both countries is to foster regional cooperation to counterbalance potential decreases in U.S. influence in the region after the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Upon arriving at the Bogor presidential palace, Ishiba was warmly welcomed by President Subianto, which included traditional Indonesian attire and a military band playing both national anthems. The meeting between the two leaders, both of whom previously served as defense ministers, focused on vital areas of collaboration. Ishiba expressed Japan's commitment to support Indonesia in achieving food and energy self-sufficiency, enhancing defense capabilities, and industrializing natural resources like strategic minerals.
In a follow-up joint press conference, Ishiba highlighted Japan's intention to assist Indonesia in its pursuit of becoming a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Both leaders also finalized a significant agreement involving a Japanese loan of up to 90.4 billion yen (approximately $573 million) for several development projects, notably a new port construction at Patimban, which aims to enhance Indonesia's transportation and distribution infrastructure.
President Subianto characterized the meeting as "warm, friendly, and intensive,” emphasizing their discussions around regional stability and the rise in political tensions. He reaffirmed Indonesia's goal of maintaining amicable relations with all nations to contribute to reducing international tensions among major powers.
In terms of security collaboration, Ishiba announced that both nations agreed to initiate discussions between their defense officials concerning maritime security cooperation, which includes collaboration on defense equipment technology. Previously, on January 7, 2025, Japanese Defense Minister Gen. Nakatani met with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta, where they agreed to continue negotiations for jointly developing naval vessels and transferring military technology.
Given Japan's current defense policies, it cannot export finished naval vessels outright, making joint development projects a vital avenue for cooperation. Ishiba reiterated Japan's commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, contrasting this with China's aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea and advocating for a cooperative relationship with Southeast Asian nations.
Indonesia has pledged to maintain a stance of non-alignment amid the ongoing competition between the United States and China, expressing concerns over rising regional security tensions. While Indonesia does not have a formal dispute with China, it has been involved in protecting its maritime interests, demonstrated by its coast guard's actions repelling Chinese vessels away from Indonesian energy company operations.
