PM of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, and President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), exchanged greetings. (Image via BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr.)

Suga: Indonesia is the Japan's key for ASEAN

Arriving in Indonesia on Tuesday, the Prime Minister (PM) of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, stated that Indonesia, as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) and also a maritime country, is an important "key" toward achieving peace in the South China Sea. On his first overseas trip since taking the office in mid-September, Suga also brought the mission for the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" initiative to tackle China's growing assertiveness in the region.

During the four-day visit to Vietnam and Indonesia, Suga arrived on Tuesday from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Suga chose the ASEAN region for his first trip to demonstrate ASEAN's importance to Japan's FOIP mission. Suga attended a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bogor. The PM is also scheduled to meet people related to Japanese companies and pay a visit at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery to lay a wreath, before returning to Tokyo.

After talking with the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Suga stated that ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia, are the keys to pursue FOIP according to the ASEAN Outlook, and Japan is more than ready to contribute to the peace and prosperity in the region. Sharing the vision of a peaceful and stable South China Sea, Jokowi also welcomed Japan's support for ASEAN countries and strengthening the partnership between Indonesia and Japan, amidst the sharp rivalries between the world's superpower nations.

Not only defense equipment and technology transfer but also the two leaders also agreed to deepen bilateral defense ties and work to hold a second "2+2" foreign and defense ministerial talks with the United States (U.S), Australia, and other countries. Indonesia will be the only member of the ASEAN with the channel.

Japan also agreed to lend a 50 billion yen loan to revive Indonesia's pandemic-hit economy in specific areas such as disaster prevention, medical supplies, and equipment for medical institutions. Moreover, Suga confirmed that Japan will provide assistance for Indonesia's infrastructure projects such as high-speed rail systems and the development of the remote islands as well. Not to mention, Japan and Indonesia also agreed to negotiate the easing of entry restrictions for essential business trips due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Source: https://bit.ly/2T9ECKI