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For ASEAN, Japan is irreplaceable despite China’s might
Both ASEAN and Japan reiterated their commitment to maritime security cooperation and vowed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation for the maintenance of maritime security and safety.
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President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo (from left, front row), Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (back row, from left), Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst pose for a group photo with leaders of ASEAN-member nations and other participants prior to the Asian Zero Energy Carbon (AZEC) Summit, held in conjunction with the ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit, at the Japanese Prime Minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2023. (AFP/Davie Mareuil/Pool)
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apanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hosted the ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit in Tokyo over the weekend. Amid the rising power and growing influence of China and its escalating tensions with the United States in the region and the world, where does Japan stand in the hearts and minds of the Indonesian public?
For ASEAN, Japan is one of the most important partners not just to counterbalance the rivalry between China and the US, especially in the South China Sea. But more importantly Japan is a role model for Southeast Asian neighbors with its norms, ethics and childhood education system.
China will likely continue to be ASEAN’s largest trading partner. But ASEAN will remain committed to Japan because it is the only country that can provide what it needs, apart from impressive economic statistics.
When asked about China, many people would express their admiration for the miraculous progress in its economy, technology and military. In comparison, when asked about South Korea, the same people would first talk about K-pop and information and communications technology advancement.
How about Japan? It is no longer about economic and technological superiority but rather the exemplary attitude and wisdom of the Japanese people.
Many Indonesian tourists who visit Japan admire the Japanese people’s exemplary discipline in all aspects of life, including their cleanliness and respect for other people. The Japanese honor the norms and teachings of Islam, as evident in their production of halal food.
To me, one of the most prominent Japanese influences adopted here is the culture of queuing at MRT stations. Japan built the modern transportation system in Jakarta along with the culture behind it.
