Jakarta, January 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: President Prabowo Subianto emphasized Indonesia’s diplomatic commitment to maintaining balanced and strong relations with all nations and major economic blocs, reaffirming the country’s neutral stance in global geopolitics.
“Indonesia wants to maintain close relations with all countries and economic blocs around the world,” President Prabowo stated during a joint press briefing with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Saturday.
Highlighting Indonesia’s role as a bridge for reducing geopolitical tensions among major powers, President Prabowo expressed keenness to sustain these robust ties.
During a bilateral meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, addressing regional and global challenges, and reinforcing their mutual commitment to strengthening existing partnerships.
Key areas of collaboration identified included economic and infrastructure development, energy security, industrial downstreaming, agriculture, human resource development, and the health sector. President Prabowo also extended an invitation to Japan to actively participate in Indonesia’s ongoing industrialization and downstreaming initiatives, underscoring opportunities for mutual benefit.
The meeting followed a one-on-one discussion between the two leaders at the Bogor Presidential Palace. Earlier in the day, PM Ishiba and his entourage visited the Main National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta before arriving at the palace at 10 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), where they were greeted with a ceremonial welcome featuring cavalry troops.
PM Ishiba is the first foreign leader to be hosted by President Prabowo at the Bogor Palace since his inauguration as Indonesia’s President on October 20, 2024. This historic meeting marks the beginning of a renewed phase of Indonesia-Japan cooperation under President Prabowo’s leadership.
