2023 commemorates the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. With the spirit of “Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities,” ASEAN and Japan are in the driver’s seat to bring the interests of our region forward.
The year 2023 also highlights the leadership of our two countries in the region; Indonesia is the chair of ASEAN and Japan is the chair of the Group of Seven leading industrial nations. The theme of Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship is “ASEAN as the Epicentrum of Growth,” which is inclusive, resilient and sustainable. There are three pillars under this theme: ASEAN Matters; the Epicentrum of Growth; and the Implementation of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific; and each has distinct objectives.
On the ASEAN Matters pillar, Indonesia intends to strengthen ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality and ASEAN capacity to address current and future challenges toward 2045.
Under the Epicentrum of Growth pillar, Indonesia plans to solidify ASEAN regional mechanisms to manage external shocks and their implications for health, food security, energy and financial resilience in the region.
Finally, regarding the Implementation of AOIP pillar, Indonesia sees the need to build better connectivity and a more inclusive regional architecture.
Heart-to-heart ties
In our view, each pillar is closely linked to and complements the others. For this reason, ASEAN Matters would not only strengthen ASEAN’s centrality, but also contribute to our vision for peace and security in our backyard.
Japan is ASEAN’s first partner. And for the past 50 years, ASEAN and Japan have been working together to create peace, stability and prosperity in the region. If I may quote Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s remarks at the International Symposium on the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, Japan and ASEAN are “true friends with ‘heart-to-heart’ relations.” I believe the key to guiding our relationship for the next 50 years is for us all to work on nurturing the hearts of our peoples.
65-year relationship
2023 also marks 65 years of Indonesia-Japan diplomatic relations. During this span, we have successfully deepened our relationship and expanded our cooperation in various areas of mutual strategic interest.
The theme of our 65th anniversary is “One Heart,” which is “Kokoro Hitotsu Ni” in Japanese. This theme was inspired by the song “Satu Hati” by Japanese singer Hiroaki Kato. The song’s lyrics brilliantly capture the essence of synergy and harmony that characterizes the friendship between Indonesia and Japan.
During the ASEAN-Japan Summit on Sept. 7, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo and Kishida agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the status of comprehensive strategic partnership. The two leaders embraced the progress of bilateral cooperation at various levels, including the Japan-Indonesia Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting, and cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, labor, energy, the environment, disaster management, education and the strengthening of people-to-people contacts.
The visit of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Indonesia in June was historic and reflected the deep friendship between our peoples. This visit is also a symbol of dedication to the progress and welfare of both peoples.
Beacon of peace and growth
As we celebrate the golden anniversary of ASEAN and Japan, I do hope this golden momentum will bring the people of ASEAN and Japan even closer. With Indonesia as chair of ASEAN, and Japan as chair of the G7, both countries should be beacons of peace and growth in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how much we need to prepare for the uncertainties of the future. We are confident that ASEAN can positively contribute to regional and global prosperity. ASEAN and Japan have accomplished and endured many things together. For this reason, we celebrate our optimism, mutual trust and respect in solving our common challenges.
Through collaboration, understanding and commitment to shared values, we can ensure that the friendship between ASEAN and Japan continues to develop into a carrier of hope, growth and unity for the region.
Download the PDFs of this ASEAN-Japan 50th anniversary Special
