TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) expert, Didik J Rachbini, views President Prabowo’s visit to Japan as an opportunity to strengthen the trade relationship between the two countries. According to Didik, Japan has been Indonesia’s trading partner for half a century and has had a significant influence on Indonesia’s economy.
“As such, economic cooperation and trade relations must not only be maintained but also enhanced,” said Didik in his written statement on Monday, March 30, 2026.
He mentioned that Indonesia’s trade with Japan is mutually complementary, where both countries benefit optimally to develop their respective foreign reserves.
Meanwhile, according to Didik, Indonesia’s trade with other trading partners tends to be substitutive, leading to competition. He cited Indonesia’s trade relationship with China as an example. Didik pointed out that both Indonesia and China have similar agricultural, food, and plantation export products. This situation, according to Didik, poses problems for Indonesia as domestic products and industries lose out in competition due to their lower prices.
Regarding Japan, Didik stated that the country imports energy, agricultural products, and fisheries from Indonesia, while Indonesia imports machinery and high-tech products.
“Complementary trade like this is more beneficial and meaningful economically as it strengthens their respective value chains, where Indonesia becomes part of the global supply chain,” said Didik.
Therefore, Didik emphasized that Prabowo’s visit to Japan should be maximized and not just treated as a sideline diplomacy. He stated that following this visit, Indonesia’s economic team should design promotional cooperation with Japan.
Prabowo visited Japan on Sunday, March 29, 2026. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Japan was at the invitation of Emperor Naruhito. According to him, the state visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Prasetyo explained that during his visit, Prabowo would discuss several strategic matters that have been the basis of cooperation between Indonesia and Japan.
“For instance, in terms of trade, technology, education, and including cooperation in the forestry and environmental sectors,” said the Gerindra Party politician to the media on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to the writing of this article.
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