Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Saturday (January 11) during his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia that Japan will provide two high-speed patrol boats to Indonesia. This comes at a time when China’s influence is increasing in the region and Japan is seeking to enhance maritime security cooperation with countries in the region.
During the meeting in Bogor, south of Jakarta, Ishiba stated that as “comprehensive strategic partners” with shared core values, Japan aims to assist Indonesia in enhancing its defense capabilities as much as possible.
The two leaders also confirmed bilateral cooperation in energy security, human resource development, and disaster prevention. Ishiba and Subianto agreed to hold the third “2+2” foreign and defense ministers meeting later this year.
Japan and Indonesia have already reached bilateral agreements on defense equipment and technology transfer, which were finalized during the previous “2+2” meeting in 2021.
At a joint press conference with Subianto, Ishiba reiterated the importance of upholding and strengthening a rules-based, free, and open international order.
“We agree to establish working-level defense consultations on our maritime security, including defense equipment technology cooperation,” Ishiba stated in a joint declaration. “We also agree… to provide high-speed patrol boats through official security assistance.”
Japan views its relationship with ASEAN member countries as strategically significant, as these nations are situated near the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. In recent years, China’s actions in the South China Sea have become increasingly assertive, leading to maritime conflicts with neighboring countries such as the Philippines.
Resource-rich Indonesia is located along the Strait of Malacca, a crucial shipping lane for energy and other commodities.
Encouraged by the United States, Japan has been deepening its security relations in the region to counter China.
“Diplomatic engagement in the region is crucial for both Japan and the United States,” Ishiba remarked. “Japan and the United States are working together to ensure peace and stability in the region, which will contribute significantly to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world as a whole.”
The visit to Indonesia marks the final stop on Ishiba’s tour, having previously visited Malaysia to strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized that enhancing ties with Southeast Asia is one of Japan’s “most important priorities.”
Japan also places importance on developing relations with “Global South” countries, with Indonesia seeking to play a leading role in this arena.