Jakarta, May 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso has called on the Japanese government to enhance its investment in Indonesia, particularly in the trade and supporting industry-related sectors. The minister conveyed this appeal during a bilateral meeting with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, held recently in Jeju, South Korea.
“Indonesia invites Japan to increase investment in Indonesia, especially in the trade and supporting industry-related sectors. We are open to listening and seeking solutions for any obstacle in the investment process,” Minister Santoso stated in an official press release received in Jakarta on Sunday.
Emphasizing Indonesia’s commitment to creating a more conducive business climate, Santoso highlighted that the country is open to dialogue and joint solutions to address any challenges in the investment landscape. He further underlined Indonesia’s consistent support for open, fair, and rule-based trade amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
The minister also reiterated Indonesia’s intention to improve market access through diversification into non-traditional markets, aimed at ensuring the stability and sustainability of national export growth.
“We believe that a collaborative and open approach is important for maintaining the stability of regional and global trade,” Santoso remarked.
In addition, Minister Santoso requested Japan’s support for Indonesia’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Indonesia has asked for Japan’s assistance in establishing an Accession Working Group to facilitate negotiations on market access, including areas such as goods, services, investment, and government procurement.
In response, Minister Takuma commended Indonesia’s approach of prioritizing cooperation and constructive dialogue amid rising global trade tensions. He affirmed Japan’s appreciation for Indonesia’s role in supporting regional economic stability and extended an invitation to Minister Santoso to attend the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which will take place from April to October next year.
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Japan reached US$7.70 billion during the January–March 2025 period. In 2024, total trade amounted to US$35.67 billion, with Indonesia recording a trade surplus of US$5.74 billion. Key Indonesian exports to Japan included coal, petroleum gas, copper ore, precious metal scrap, and nickel. Meanwhile, major imports from Japan consisted of motor vehicle parts, passenger vehicles, non-alloy steel, and assembled motor vehicles.
