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Jakarta is seeking partnerships that can strengthen its security and economy while respecting its non-aligned foreign policy.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto walk past an honor guard at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Mar. 31, 2026.
Japan is increasingly positioning itself to become Indonesia’s primary strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the past 12 months, the two nations have substantially deepened bilateral cooperation in defense and energy, among other long-term strategic sectors beyond trade and investment.
As strategic competition intensifies throughout Southeast Asia, Indonesia is seeking partners that can strengthen its security and economy while respecting its non-aligned foreign policy. Meanwhile, Japan is seeking to take on an expanded role as a regional security provider that complements its existing economic presence in Southeast Asia. Put together, these converging interests highlight how the Indonesia-Japan relationship is entering a new phase defined by long-term strategic partnership.
