President Kitaoka held a meeting with Prof. Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Chairman of the Indonesia-Japan Friendship Association
July 28, 2020
On July 28, JICA President KITAOKA Shinichi had an online meeting with Prof. Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Chairman of the Board of the Indonesia Japan Friendship Association regarding international cooperation in the post-corona world. Prof. Ginandjar has held important positions in the Indonesian government such as Minister of Coordination for Economic, Finance and Industry, Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (Indonesia's Upper House), and Member of the Presidential Advisory Council. He also serves as a member of JICA's International Advisory Board established in 2017.
First, Prof. Ginandjar explained the current situation of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Indonesia: its social and economic impact and the countermeasures taken by the Indonesian government. Following this, Dr. Kitaoka and other participants exchanged opinions on issues related to the challenges and future prospects brought about by COVID-19.
Next, Prof. Ginandjar mentioned that Japan and Indonesia have been important, strategic partners throughout their 62 years of diplomatic relations and he said that Indonesia was looking to Japan's cooperation in recovery from COVID-19. Specifically, he emphasized cooperation in strengthening the pharmaceutical sector to control the spread of COVID-19, cooperation in economic recovery (IT infrastructure, promotion of digital transformation, etc.) and cooperation in the informal economic sector (building capacity of workers). In addition, he expressed his hope that Japanese companies would increase their investment in Indonesia.
Finally, Dr. Kitaoka and Prof. Ginandjar shared an idea of continuing free and open exchange of opinions between Japan and Indonesia.