Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga visited Indonesia today, Tuesday (20/10) to meet President Jokowi.
With this visit, Suga became the first leader of another country to visit since Jokowi announced the corona case in Indonesia.
According to an Associated Press report, Suga will be in Indonesia for two days.
Before visiting Indonesia, Suga firstly visited Vietnam. During his two-day visit there, Suga said both Vietnam and Indonesia were keys to pursuing a vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.
Japan itself has often encouraged UN Southeast Asia members to work together in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific vision.
Japan wants to convey a narrative of respect for the rules-based international system related to the sea.
It is inversely proportional to China which refuses and continues to echo its nine dash line claiming over the South China Sea.
During his visit to Indonesia, Suga is expected to discuss several policies to deal with the corona virus and the possibility of Japanese support for the Indonesian economy which was also affected by the pandemic.
Japan hopes to deepen and strengthen its defense relations with Indonesia, promote defense equipment and technology transfer agreements.
After the welcoming ceremony and tree planting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Suga met Jokowi.
Then on Wednesday (21/10) he is scheduled to meet people associated with Japanese companies and lay flowers at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery before returning to Tokyo.
