President Jokowi Meets with PM Kishida, Discusses Bilateral Issues and Palestine

President Jokowi meets with PM Kishida in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday (12/16). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat’s Information, Media, and Press Bureau)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Fumio Kishida, Saturday (12/16), at the Japanese PM’s Office in Tokyo.

During the meeting, President Jokowi and PM Kishida discussed cooperation between the two countries in various fields, one of which is related to Indonesia-Japan cooperation in the construction of Jakarta’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). President Jokowi expressed his appreciation for Japan’s commitment to building the east-west route and hoped that the next construction phase could be completed according to plan.

“I hope that the phases 2A and 2B construction of the north-south route can be completed on time,” said the President.

Meanwhile, regarding the energy transition, Indonesia as a co-initiator of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) emphasizes the importance of inclusive funding for decarbonization cooperation and the transfer of low-carbon technology. Furthermore, AZEC must also ensure the follow-up to the 12 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed some time ago during the AZEC ministerial level meeting.

“And we also seek support for the acceleration of three priority projects, namely the geothermal power plant in Muara Laboh, the waste-to-energy project in Legok Nangka, and the peatland management in Central Kalimantan,” he said.

During the meeting, the two country leaders also discussed cooperation in the critical mineral and maritime sectors. President Jokowi expressed hope that Japan can support the progress of Indonesia’s mineral industry downstreaming and Indonesia’s contribution as an important part of the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.

“I hope for greater support for the economic development of Indonesia’s outer islands, including the development of the fishing industry and grants of patrol and fishing boats,” said the President.

Finally, President Jokowi and PM Kishida also discussed issues related to Palestine. President Jokowi emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to strive continuously for a permanent ceasefire, design sustainable humanitarian assistance, and push for the start of a peace process to achieve a two-state solution as soon as possible.

“And Japan’s support is highly expected,” said the President.

Also joining the President during the meeting were, among others, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi. (Presidential Secretariat’s Information, Media, and Press Bureau/UN) (TM/LW)