RI wants to expand economic ties with Japan

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed Indonesia`s wish to enhance cooperation with Japan, especially in the economic field.

"First, we must expand our economic relations," Yudhoyono said when giving a general lecture at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), here, Friday.

In the lecture themed "Responding to International Challenges, Strengthening Indonesia-Japan Relation," the president explained that the bilateral ties between the two countries have run well.

The two-way trade volumes stand at US$42.7 billion. While Japan`s investments in Indonesia between 1990 and 2009 amounted to some USD$ 21,6 billion, with 1907 projects, making Japan the largest cumulative investor in Indonesia.

"These are very encouraging statistics. But there is plenty of room to expand to the next level," the head of state said.

Japanese corporations know the Indonesian market well, they know how to work with our bureaucracy, they have good Indonesian partners, and know the potentials, he said.

Indonesians admire Japanese work ethics, business acumen and innovative spirit. 

"I hope to see more Japanese investments in more sectors in Indonesia, especially in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy," the president stated.

The president gave his speech before around 300 audience consisting of Japanese politicians, academicians, and businessmen.

President Yudhoyono also said the Indonesia-Japan strategic partnership should contribute towards shaping the regional architecture.

"The ASEAN Community ? which we aim to attain by 2015 -- is transforming Southeast Asia into a more cohesive, dynamic and outward-looking region," he said. 

ASEAN is keen to help shape the regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific, and to maintain ASEAN?s centrality in that process. 

ASEAN-led processes such as ASEAN+1, ARF, ASEAN+3 and EAS, have become building blocks in shaping an overarching Asia-Pacific regional architecture.

In a region of shifting power relations, Indonesia seeks to promote dynamic equilibrium, according to him. 

"A state of affairs where there are no preponderant powers. One marked by harmony and cooperation in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity. Where conflicts are peacefully resolved, and diplomacy and dialogue prevail over the use of force," he stated.

He hoped that Japan to continue its participation in promoting ASEAN Community building, through active engagements with ASEAN-led processes. 

While in Japan, President Yudhoyono will present letters from children in Aceh to Japanese children affected by the earthquake and tsunami that happened in that country in March 2011. (f001/A/HAJM/13:35/f001 )