Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto received the 2025 Spring Conferment of the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” from the Government of Japan in recognition of his services and contributions in strengthening economic relations between Japan and Indonesia.
This honorary award from the Japanese Government not only symbolizes the strong friendship between Indonesia and Japan but also serves as a special gift in the celebration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day this year.
During a press briefing at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo after receiving the award, Minister Airlangga stated that Japanese companies operating in Indonesia play a significant role, which requires both nations to maintain strong bilateral ties to ensure the continuity of the long-standing successful business relations.
“I would like to thank President Prabowo Subianto for allowing me to be here (in Japan) to receive this award. We truly appreciate the support from the Japanese Government and stakeholders in various collaborations with Indonesia, especially since 2016 when I served as Minister of Industry until 2019 when I became Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs,” said Minister Airlangga, as conveyed in the official statement from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
In addition to Minister Airlangga, the award—presented directly by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba—was also granted to Indonesia’s former Foreign Minister for the 2009–2014 period, Marty Natalegawa.
“After the ceremony, there was a meeting with the Emperor of Japan. During the meeting, the Emperor expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation with partner countries. The attendees included representatives not only from Indonesia but from various countries around the world. The Emperor also conveyed a message for everyone to stay healthy and return safely,” explained Minister Airlangga.
Indonesia also actively participates in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative launched by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (2021–2024) during the G20 Summit in Indonesia in 2022. One AZEC project—Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant in Solok, West Sumatra—was inaugurated on May 5, 2025.
Other projects in the pipeline include the Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy Project, the Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant, and the Java-Sumatra Transmission Network Project.
“For AZEC, the Japanese Government has prepared a special fund of USD 500 million. Indonesia and Japan have now prepared over 175 MoUs, with several projects in the pipeline focused on emission reduction toward Indonesia’s Net Zero Emissions target by 2060.
In a recent meeting between President Prabowo and former PM Kishida, it was commendable that Indonesia and Japan formed a joint task force, led by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on the Indonesian side,” said Minister Airlangga.
During his visit to Japan, Minister Airlangga also met with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Muto Yoji. The meeting resulted in an agreement to strengthen trade and investment cooperation, as well as the acceleration of the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA), which has been ratified by the Japanese Parliament and is expected to be completed by Indonesia in the second half of 2025.
Minister Airlangga also met with the Chairman of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation, representing 1,542 businesses, 106 industry associations, and regional economic organizations from all 47 prefectures in Japan), and with Ken Kobayashi, President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).
“Keidanren continues to support Indonesia’s accession process to the OECD and CPTPP. With JCCI, several ongoing projects were discussed, such as the Jakarta MRT and, most recently, the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant, which is part of AZEC.
Future cooperation opportunities are open in sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure,” said Minister Airlangga.
As of 2024, Japan is the 6th largest foreign investor in Indonesia, with total investment reaching USD 3.46 billion.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Japanese FDI in Indonesia was dominated by sectors such as motor vehicles and transportation equipment, logistics and telecommunications, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, machinery, electronics, and medical instruments.
“The meeting also covered geopolitical issues, where Japanese businesspeople expressed similar concerns about the current economic disruptions.
Indonesia sees Japan as a major investor, with growing trade between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of continuing the existing cooperation despite the prevailing uncertainties,” concluded Minister Airlangga.
The event was also attended by Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso, Deputy for Economic Cooperation and Investment Coordination Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia Maria Renata Hutagalung, Mrs. Yanti Airlangga, staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, and journalists from media outlets based in Japan and Indonesia. *
