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Indonesia and Japan: Role models in bilateral relations
The past few years point to signs of a changing global order that has significantly impacted global stability. Many countries are working together to strike a new equilibrium, symbolizing a modern era in international relations.
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An Indonesian (L) and Japanese national flag. (AFP/Jewel Samad)
T
he past few years point to signs of a changing global order that has significantly impacted global stability. Many countries are working together to strike a new equilibrium, symbolizing a modern era in international relations. One example of the changing global times is China’s expanding economic and political power, which has caused tensions with the United States, Japan and Southeast Asian countries. Further, significant economic powerhouses have shown a growing appetite for unilateralism evident through protectionist and populist rhetoric as well as policies. Today’s reality is that the global order has shifted drastically.
During these uncertain times for international cooperation, a solution is needed to counter the negative effects of growing unilateralism, which encompass instability and an economic slowdown. One possible solution is spearheaded by Japan and Indonesia through their Project 2045, the cooperation vision between the two maritime democracies moving in line with Indonesia’s 100th anniversary.
The project is more than a blueprint on how Indonesia can achieve prosperity and peace in 2045 with Japan’s assistance; it is also the coming together of two middle powers to bring stability to the region. Due to their significant roles in the global economy, the future impact of Japan and Indonesia can shift the power of Asia’s economic foothold.
Japan and Indonesia have shared 60 years of diplomatic ties, which have flourished into one of East Asia’s most robust diplomatic relationships despite Japan’s brief colonial rule. Such a high-level of solidarity six decades ago would have been a far-flung idea. Now, both maritime democracies have linked arms to plan for the next 26 years in understanding the importance of their relations for East Asia’s stability.
