VP Ma’ruf Amin Talks About Economy, Human Resources with Japanese PM

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has a courtesy call with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at Akasaka Palace, Tokyo, Monday (09/26). (Photo: Vice Presidential Secretariat)

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin Monday (09/26) paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo.

During the meeting, VP Ma’ruf underscored two important aspects of cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, including in economic sector and human resource capacity.

This meeting also served as a follow-up on the visit of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to Japan on July 27, 2022.

“VP Ma’ruf discussed two issues, namely strengthening economic cooperation and increasing human resource capacity, [including] partnerships in the fields of employment and health,” Spokesperson for the VP Masduki Baidlowi said after the meeting.

On economy, according to Masduki, the VP highlighted the importance of signing Amendment to Protocol of the Indonesian-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) at the G20 Bali Summit in November this year.

The VP and the Japanese Prime Minister also talked about the realization of investment expansion and new investments worth US$5.2 billion, completion of strategic infrastructure projects, and resolution of barriers for exports of Indonesian agricultural and fishery products, he added.

“Cooperation in Islamic finance and industry is also a concern expressed by the Vice President,” said Masduki

Ma’ruf also called for the strengthening of potential cooperation in the fields of sharia economy and halal industry, especially in leading sectors such as food, cosmetics, fashion, tourism and halal industrial areas.

“Indonesia is geared to become the main partner in the development of halal business in Japan, among others through the preparation of Muslim-friendly tourism standards in Japan’s tourist destinations and halal certification for Japanese products,” he said.

Regarding cooperation in human resources capacity building, Ma’ruf expressed appreciation for Japan’s support as Indonesia’s human resources development partner through scholarships and technical trainings.

“The VP expressed hope that Japan can continue to support efforts to expand Japanese language teaching, vocational education, and strengthen disaster response communities,” Masduki said, adding that the VP also expressed hope for Japan’s support for strengthening research ecosystem in Indonesia to further encourage sustainable innovation.

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed gratitude for the visit of the Vice President in Tokyo to attend a state honor procession for the passing of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

PM Kishida also welcomed and is ready to support Indonesia’s leadership in G20.

“This is a strategic role played by Indonesia and Japan at the international level. Japan is very concerned with regional security and stability in the Asia-Pacific,” he said.

For the record, Japan in 2023 is set to become Chair of the G7 and Indonesia is to become Chair of ASEAN.

The Japanese PM expressed hope that the two countries can support each other in these forums.

“The Japanese PM expressed hope that the leaderships of Japan and Indonesia can contribute to the international and regional levels. For this reason, Japan will strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations and Japan-Indonesia relations for 60 years,” Masduki said, adding that the Japanese PM is also committed to discussing strategic points with the Indonesian Government so the signing of the IJEPA at the G20 Summit in Bali can be carried out.

“The Japanese PM will follow up on financial cooperation and halal industry with Indonesia through special directions to the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia to prepare for cooperation in sharia finance and halal industry,” he said.

Furthermore, the Japanese PM also expressed belief that the good relations between Indonesia and Japan will continue to improve in the future.

“This meeting further strengthens strategic partners of Indonesia – Japan, both at the international level and the regional level,” he remarked. (VP Secretariat/UN) (EST/EP)