Building Stable, Lasting Partnership

4 The Japan Times Monday, March 23, 2015 Indonesian president’s visit Building stable, Profile ofP resident Joko Widodo Born in 1961, Joko Widodo, His entrepreneurial flair lowing his election to the popularly known as Jokowi, was recognized by business high-profile position of gov- grew up in the Central Java associates and he served as ernor of Jakarta. During 2013 city of Solo (Surakarta) as the the head of the newly estab- and early 2014 he was in- lasting partnership eldest of four children and lished branch of the furniture creasingly seen as a potential the only son. as a boy, he manufacturers association PDIP candidate for the Indo- helped his carpenter father from 2002 to 2007. nesian presidential election Yusron Ihza Mahendra graphical proximity has only shared values for peace, sta- collect and cut wood, which His success in this role in 2014. His nomination was ambassador of indonesia enhanced the heart-to-heart bility, prosperity and regional the family sold as part of their prompted his colleagues to announced on March 14, relations that cemented the development that will deepen living. press him to run for mayor 2014. Since the es- foundation of the two na- and widen our economic, se- Nevertheless, his family of Solo, one of the most his- The presidential election tablishment of tion’s strong cooperation in curity and maritime partner- assisted him through school toric cities of Central Java. was held on July 9 and a new chapter all walks of life. ship, as well as investment and he continued his edu- He successfully ran for Jokowi was named as pres- in the history The official working visit of cooperation that will foster cation in the Forestry Fac- mayor in Solo in 2005 and ident-elect on July 22. Joko of Indonesia- Indonesian President Joko cultural and people-to-people ulty of the country’s top-tier in 2010. Widodo is the first Indone- Japan rela- Widodo and his wife Hj. Iriana exchanges. It will be a new Gadjah Mada University in It was his performance as sian president not to come tions back in Joko Widodo to Japan is high level of partnership that deliv- Yogyakarta and graduated mayor of Solo that he first from the military or politi- 1958, the two time to bolster the already ers a vibrant message and as- with a degree in forestry in gained attention for his abil- cal elite. countries have strong relations to a new level piration to youth across the 1985. ity to resolve issues such as On Oct. 20, Jokowi took the gained not only a strong of partnership. We aim at fur- two nations. Jokowi joined the forestry floods, dirty streets and oath of office as the seventh sense of friendship, but also ther strengthening a partner- It is in our strongest belief service of a state enterprise in slums. He was nominated by president of the Republic of of partnership. The geo- ship that will build upon that the visit and the new part- Aceh before returning to Solo the Indonesian democratic Indonesia at a ceremony held nership will further tie the two in 1989 to work with his uncle Party of Struggle (PDIP) to at the parliament in Jakarta countries’ closeness within and learn the furniture busi- run for governor of Jakarta. and made a call for national President’s Japan visit agenda the hearts and minds of our ness from design to delivery. He succeeded in ousting the reconciliation and unity as peoples and will make both He then branched out on his favored incumbent in the he was sworn in. The President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo Indonesia and Japan stronger own and soon established a 2012 elections. He is married to Iriana and his wife Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo are paying an official and more resilient in embrac- thriving furniture business Jokowi’s popularity across Joko Widodo and has two working visit to Japan through March 25. ing both the opportunities with a strong focus on exports. Indonesia rose sharply fol- sons and one daughter. During his stay in Japan, the president and his wife are and challenges presented in scheduled to make a state call on Their Majesties Emperor this global world. President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo ap Akihito and Empress Michiko, who will host a Court Lun- cheon in honor of the president and his wife. Prime Minis- ter Shinzo Abe will hold a summit meeting to discuss Many years of close relations various issues, including security and economic coopera- tion, and host a dinner for the president. This is the first visit to Japan for the president since as- Yasuo Fukuda special envoy of the Japanese Japan’s investment in Indone- suming the post last October. President, Japan Indonesia government. sia reached $4.7 billion in Association, inc., former prime Jokowi is issuing a clarion 2013, which made Japan the minister call to transform Indonesia largest investor in the country. into a maritime nation and is Japan’s investment in Indone- On behalf of tackling key issues such as sia, including the additional the Japan In- rural development, correction spending on factories and donesia asso- of disparities, export expan- equipment, is greatly increas- ciation, as well sion and infrastructure im- ing and a growing number of as all the peo- provement. I hope that Japanese companies are ple of Japan, I Indonesia, a major power in newly setting up operations in would like to Southeast Asia, will continue Indonesia. Japanese firms extend my to develop under the leader- based in Indonesia are ex- warmest wel- ship of Jokowi. pected to boost exports and come to President of the Re- Japan and Indonesia are the stable economic develop- public of Indonesia Joko “strategic partners” who have ment of Indonesia will be cru- Widodo, better known as enjoyed long years of friendly cial for the development of Jokowi, on the occasion of his relations. Both at the govern- Japan as well. first visit to Japan as the coun- mental and private levels, the I believe that Jokowi’s visit try’s leader. two countries have cultivated to Japan will further strength- Jokowi was elected by a di- amicable ties in various areas en bilateral ties and deepen rect vote in the presidential such as politics, security, mutually beneficial relations. Indonesian President Joko Widodo meets with Prime Minister election last July and took of- economy, culture and people- I sincerely extend my best Shinzo Abe on Nov. 10 in Beijing on the sidelines of the APEC fice in October. I attended his to-people exchanges. Espe- wishes for Jokowi’s productive Indonesian President Joko Widodo waves to the crowd during a parade following his Summit Meeting. cabinet public relations office swearing-in ceremony as a cially on the economic front, and fruitful stay in Japan. inauguration in Jakarta on Oct. 20. ap

PAGE: 4 The Japan Times Monday, March 23, 2015 5 Indonesian president’s visit

Country a key piece of Japan’s supply chains Indonesia offers Shigeo Ohyagi and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Chairman, Japan-Indonesia Economic Partnership will reach a trade deal. In this wide range of Committee, Keidanren (Japan Business context, the role Indonesia plays in South- Federation); chairman, member of the board, east Asia has become extremely important. teijin ltd. Especially, Indonesia is assuming in- diversity to tourists creasing importance as a hub of supply I would like to express my chains for Japanese manufacturers. Japan heartfelt welcome to Indo- always ranks near the top in foreign direct The Republic of Indonesia is ard to the Orangutan and the nesian President Joko investment in Indonesia, being the top in- the largest archipelago in the Java rhino, to the Sulawesi Widodo, who is currently vestor in 2013 and the second-largest inves- world comprising 13,466 large anoa dwarf buffaloes, to birds visiting Japan. Ever since tor in 2014. To further deepen trade and and small tropical islands with exquisite plumage like he took office last October, investment relations between the two fringed with white sandy the cockatoo and the bird of the president has demon- countries, the Japanese business commu- beaches, many still uninhab- paradise. This is also the hab- strated excellent leader- nity hopes to offer active cooperation in in- ited and a number even still itat of the Rafflesia the world’s ship, upholding clear-cut frastructure development and human unnamed. Straddling the largest flower, wild orchids, an policy visions and tackling structural re- resources development in Indonesia. equator, situated between the amazing variety of spices, and form of the Indonesian economy. The Jap- As part of such cooperation, Keidanren continents of Asia and Austra- aromatic hardwood and a anese business community has great (Japan Business Federation) will send a lia and between the Pacific and large variety of fruit trees. Un- respect for that. delegation of business executives headed the Indian Oceans, it is as wide derwater, scientists have found Indonesia is a country that symbolizes by Chairman Sadayuki Sakakibara to Indo- as the United States from San in North Sulawesi the prehis- the future of Asia, with its abundant re- nesia from April 7 to 9. We hope to have a Francisco to New York, equal- toric coelacanth fish, a “living sources, growing production base and con- discussion on our concrete proposals to ing the distance between Lon- fossil” fish, predating the dino- sumer markets that comprise around 40 smoothly promote investment and the don and Moscow. Indonesia saurs living some 400 million percent of the total population of the challenges on the business environment has a total population of more years ago, while whales mi- ASEAN countries. Also, Indonesia has the to enable such investment. Through a than 215 million people from grate yearly through these wa- aspect of a maritime nation in common frank exchange of views with our Indone- more than 200 ethnic groups. ters from the South Pole. Here with Japan. sian counterparts, we would like to build The national language is Ba- are hundreds of species of col- Prambanan Temple in Central Java effendy bong/ministry of tourism and creative economy This year, it is expected that the ASEAN closer economic relations between Japan hasa Indonesia. orful coral and tropical fish to Economic Community will come into being and Indonesia. Among the most well- admire. known islands are Sumatra, Culturally, Indonesia fasci- Java, Bali, Kalimantan (former- nates with her rich diversity of ly Borneo), Sulawesi (formerly ancient temples, music, rang- Celebes), the Maluku Islands ing from the traditional to A partnership built on trust (or better known as Moluccas, modern pop, dances, rituals the original Spice Islands) and and ways of life, changing from The diplomatic relationship be- Papua. Then, there is Bali “the island to island, from region to tween Indonesia and Japan is world’s best island resort” with region. Yet everywhere the vis- based on the Peace Agreement its enchanting culture, beach- itor feels welcomed with that between the Republic of Indo- es, dynamic dances and music. warm, gracious innate friendli- nesia and Japan, which was But Indonesia still has many ness of the Indonesian people signed in January 1958. Since unexplored islands with grand that is not easily forgotten. then, the relationship between mountain views, green rainfor- Facilities-wise Indonesia’s the two nations has been excel- ests to trek through, rolling hotels are second to none. In lent with no major problems. waves to surf and deep blue fact, many of our luxurious Solo Batik Carnival tony/ The close bilateral relations be- pristine seas to dive in where and unique hotels have con- ministry of tourism and Kecak performance at Tanah Lot in Bali JOhnny hendarta/ tween the two countries are one can swim with dugongs, stantly been listed as some of creative economy ministry of tourism and creative economy also reflected by a number of dolphins and large manta rays. the best in the world, located agreements, as well as a multi- Because of her location, and on white sandy beaches, over- gourmets can treat themselves tions are held from Jakarta to are connected by direct inter- tude exchange of notes be- geology, Indonesia is blessed looking green river valleys, or to the many regions’ delecta- Bali to Manado, ranging from national flights, and many reg- tween the two governments with the most diverse land- situated in the heart of the ble spicy cuisine or dine the Global climate change ular and low cost carriers fly providing a stronger foundation scape, from fertile rice land on busy capital of Jakarta. While sumptuously at international Conference in Bali and the passengers to Indonesia’s for a better cooperation in var- Java and Bali to the luxuriant Indonesia’s cities like Jakarta, restaurants. And for sheer re- World ocean conference in towns or remote locations. ious areas. rainforests of Sumatra, Kali- Bandung, Surabaya, or Makas- laxation, Indonesia Spas are Manado to trade and invest- Some of the aforementioned mantan and Sulawesi, to the sar are a hive of activities for second to none to reinvigorate ment exhibitions and tourism Text derived from the agreements and treaties be- savannah grasslands of the Nu- business and leisure and a both body and mind. trade shows in many provincial Indonesia’s Official Tourism tween Indonesia and Japan in- satenggara islands to the snow- paradise for shoppers, offer- Convention centers are capital cities. Website. For more clude the Treaty of Amity and Modern buildings rise around the Hotel Indonesia capped peaks of West Papua. ing upscale boutiques selling equipped with state-of-the-art Jakarta, Bali, Medan, information visit, www. Commerce, signed in Tokyo on Roundabout in the heart of the capital Jakarta. embassy of Her wildlife ranges from the top brand names, to local facilities, as many top interna- Padang, Bandung, Solo, Yogya- indonesia.travel. July 1, 1961 and the Air Trans- indonesia/jakarta capital city government prehistoric giant Komodo liz- goods at road-side stalls. Here tional conferences and exhibi- karta, Surabaya and Makassar portation agreement, also signed in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 1962. Mineral fuels accounted for Additionally, there is the Agree- 52 percent of Indonesia’s ex- ment on the Cooperation in Sci- ports to Japan in 2013, followed ence and Technology, signed in by raw materials at 14 percent, Jakarta on Jan. 12, 1981, and the manufactured goods at 11 per- Agreement on the Avoidance of cent and electrical machinery Double Taxation and Fiscal Eva- at 5 percent. sion, signed in Tokyo on March Machinery, other than elec- 3, 1982. Since 1966, there have tric, is the most exported prod- been around 200 notes on co- uct category from Japan to operation exchanged by the two Indonesia, accounting for 28.6 governments covering various percent, followed by manufac- sectors such as fisheries, agri- tured goods at 23.7 percent, culture, forestry, improvement transportation equipment at of food production and finan- 18.4 percent and electrical ma- cial assistance. chinery at 12.4 percent. Leaders and high-ranking On direct investment, Japan officials from both countries was tied with Singapore as the have exchanged frequent visits. largest investor in Indonesia, Former Indonesian presidents with each country accounting Soekarno, Soeharto, Abdurrah- for 16 percent in 2013, accord- man Wahid, Megawati Soek- ing to material by the ASEAN- arnoputri and Susilo Bambang Japan centre citing the Yudhoyono have all visited Indonesian Investment Coordi- Japan, while Japanese Emperor nating Board. The third largest Akihito visited Indonesia in was the U.S. with 9 percent, fol- 1991. After the economic crisis lowed by South Korea at 6 per- and the 2004 tsunami disaster, cent and the U.K. at 4 percent. then Japanese Prime Minister Japanese companies such as Junichiro Koizumi visited Indo- construction companies and nesia four times. Former Pres- material makers are expected ident Yudhoyono visited Japan to have many business oppor- seven times, including the visit tunities in infrastructure, such in June 2011, when he visited as transport, connectivity and tsunami-hit Kesennuma, Mi- energy, as Indonesia is in the yagi Prefecture in the aftermath midst of strengthening these of the Great East Japan Earth- areas. quake. Meanwhile exchange As of May 2014, Indonesia visits at the ministerial level, had 16,296 registered Japanese specifically the foreign minis- residents, 944 subsidiaries of ters and ministers for econom- Japanese companies, 113 rep- ic, finance and industry from resentative offices of Japanese both countries, also occurred companies and 561 corporate frequently. Additionally, many members in the Japanese visits by officials, politicians, Chamber of commerce, ac- scholars from various disci- cording to the aSEAN-Japan plines and artists have been Centre, based on data from var- made. ious organizations. The two countries also be- Japan is seen as the most re- long to a number of organiza- liable country for Indonesians, tions and forums at the according to a March 2014 Min- regional and international lev- istry of Foreign Affairs Opinion els such as the U.N., ESCAP, Poll on Japan in Seven ASEAN APEC, WTO and ASEM. Japan Countries. is one of the main dialogue The poll shows 47 percent of partners of the ASEAN and a Indonesians think Japan is the member of the ARF. Not only most reliable country, while 14 that, Japan still sees Indonesia percent said the U.S., 7 percent as a stabilizing factor in South- each said Germany and Brit- east Asia. ain, and 5 percent said China. While Japan is the most reli- Trade and investment able country for all seven Japan is Indonesia’s main trad- countries — Indonesia, Malay- ing partner and it is the second- sia, Myanmar, the Philippines, largest main export destination, Singapore, Thailand and Viet- after ASEAN member states, for nam, Indonesia’s 47 percent is Indonesia and the third-largest the highest, followed by Viet- source of imports, after ASEAN nam’s 46 percent, Thailand’s 35 and china, to Indonesia in percent and the Philippines’s 2013, according to a material by 31 percent. the ASEAN-Japan Centre citing the Global Trade Atlas. Indone- Information in the top half of sia’s exports to Japan hit ¥2.81 this article was compiled from trillion, while imports from the website of Indonesian Japan reached ¥1.66 trillion in Embassy in Tokyo. 2013.

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