KONTAN.CO.ID -  JAKARTA. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Fumio Kishida at the PM's Office in Tokyo, Saturday (16/12/2023). 

President Jokowi and PM Kishida discussed cooperation between the two countries in various fields in the meeting. One of them is related to the Indonesia-Japan cooperation in the construction of the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). 

President Jokowi expressed his appreciation for Japan's commitment to constructing the east-west line and hoped that the next phase of construction could be completed as planned. 

"I hope that the construction of the north-south line phase 2A and 2B can be completed on time," said Jokowi as quoted by the Presidential Secretariat press release, on Saturday. 

Furthermore, Jokowi and PM Kishida also discussed energy transition. President Jokowi explained that Indonesia as a co-initiator of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) emphasizes the importance of inclusive decarbonization funding cooperation and low-carbon technology transfer. 

In addition, AZEC also needs to ensure the follow-up of 12 MoUs signed some time ago at the AZEC ministerial-level meeting. 

"And please support the acceleration of three priority projects, the geothermal power plant in Muara Laboh, waste to energy in Legok Nangka, and peatland management in Central Kalimantan," said the President.

In the meeting, President Jokowi and PM Kishida also discussed cooperation in critical minerals and maritime. 

Jokowi hopes that Japan can support the advancement of downstream of Indonesia's mineral industry and Indonesia's contribution as an important part of the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. 

"I hope for greater support for the development of Indonesia's outermost island economy, including the development of the fishing industry and the grant of patrol and fishing vessels," said Jokowi. 

Lastly, President Jokowi and PM Kishida also discussed issues related to Palestine. President Jokowi reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to continuously strive for a permanent ceasefire, design sustainable humanitarian aid, and encourage the start of a peace process to achieve a two-state solution as soon as possible. 

"And Japan's support is highly expected," said Jokowi. 

Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were, among others, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi.

This article has been published on Kompas.com with the title "Meeting with Japanese PM, Jokowi Discusses Continuation of Jakarta MRT Construction"

Editor: Syamsul Azhar