Japan, Indonesia Strengthen Maritime Security Against China

Japan and Indonesia Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation

BOGOR, Indonesia - Japan and Indonesia have agreed to enhance their cooperation on maritime security, with a particular focus on China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

During a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on January 11th, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Tokyo will provide a high-speed patrol boat to the Indonesian navy through the Official Security Assistance program. The two leaders also decided to hold a "two-plus-two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers by the end of the year, their first since March 2021.

This renewed focus on maritime security cooperation reflects Japan's desire to counterbalance China's maritime advances by deepening collaboration with Indonesia, a leading member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Tokyo also aims to serve as a bridge between ASEAN and the United States, addressing concerns in Southeast Asia over the America-first policy of the incoming Trump administration.

The leaders welcomed the agreement reached between their defense ministers on January 7th to start a bilateral meeting on maritime security between defense officials. They also confirmed that the two countries will work together on defense equipment, technology cooperation, and personnel exchanges. One option under consideration is the joint development of a naval vessel based on a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer.

On the economic front, the leaders confirmed that the two countries will cooperate on issues related to resources and infrastructure in the context of reducing the carbon footprint in the Asian region. Indonesia, which advocates an omnidirectional foreign policy, has strong economic ties with China. The country formally joined BRICS, which comprises China, Russia, and other emerging economies, on January 6th.

At the joint news conference, President Prabowo expressed Indonesia's hope to build good relationships with all countries and contribute to easing tensions among the world's major powers. Prime Minister Ishiba, who also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on January 10th, emphasized the importance of stronger relations with Southeast Asia in the face of an increasingly uncertain international situation. He stated that they exchanged views on relations with the United States and China, as well as on the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and agreed to continue close communication.