Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
As the year draws to a close, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who has followed and supported DISG throughout 2025. This year has reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation and innovation-driven partnerships in advancing sustainable growth together with ASEAN.
In 2026, DISG will continue working closely with partner countries to promote inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking development, collaborating across sectors and borders to contribute to sustainable growth. We will also continue to share updates on Japan-ASEAN cooperation through this newsletter.
Thank you once again for your continued interest and support. We look forward to sharing our journey with you in the coming year.
Best regards,
Masuo Kuremura
DISG Task Force Chair
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Japan–Indonesia Hold Third “2+2” Meeting
Japan and Indonesia convened their third Foreign and Defense Ministerial (“2+2”) Meeting on November 17—the first in nearly four and a half years. Ministers Motegi and Koizumi met with Indonesia’s Ministers Sugiono and Sjafrie for a focused 90-minute discussion on security and regional stability.
-
• Shared Strategic Vision: Both nations reaffirmed the importance of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and emphasized cooperation as democratic maritime partners.
-
• Stronger Security Collaboration: Progress since 2021 was welcomed, including Japan’s provision of a large patrol vessel (ODA) and high-speed patrol boats (OSA). Both sides agreed to expand maritime cooperation and advance talks on defense equipment, technology, and the protection of military information.
-
• Regional Coordination: Ministers discussed the East and South China Seas, North Korea, the Middle East, and Myanmar. They emphasized adherence to international law (especially UNCLOS), expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments, reaffirmed support through CEAPAD for Gaza’s recovery, and committed to close coordination regarding Myanmar.
This meeting underscored Japan and Indonesia’s deepening partnership and shared commitment to a rules-based international order.
- Third Japan-Indonesia Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting ("2+2") (English) (LINK)
Indonesian Foreign and Defense Ministers Pay Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Takaichi
On November 18, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Gen. (Hon.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin for a courtesy call in Tokyo.
-
• Reaffirming Timely Dialogue: Prime Minister Takaichi highlighted that the third Japan–Indonesia “2+2” meeting was held at a critical time as the security environment grows increasingly severe.
-
• Commitment to FOIP and Rule of Law: She emphasized that strengthening ties with Indonesia is essential for advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and upholding a rules-based international order.
-
• Expanding Cooperation: The Prime Minister expressed Japan’s intention to deepen collaboration across a wide range of fields, including security and defense.
In response, Ministers Sugiono and Sjafrie noted that the “2+2” discussions were highly meaningful and expressed Indonesia’s desire to advance concrete bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to further strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following the ministers’ visit to Japan.
- Courtesy Call on Prime Minister TAKAICHI by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia (English) (LINK)
Vice-Minister Matsuo Attends Thailand–Japan Investment Forum
On November 28, Vice-Minister for International Affairs Takehiko Matsuo (METI) attended the Thailand–Japan Investment Forum in Tokyo and held a meeting with Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties, especially in key industries.
- • Participation in the Investment Forum
Vice-Minister Matsuo delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting how new technologies and markets driven by green transformation (GX) and digital transformation (DX) can generate new business opportunities. He emphasized the need to enhance the resilience and sophistication of automotive and other supply chains jointly built by Japan and Thailand.
He also introduced Japanese companies’ experience in Thailand’s healthcare sector and expressed hopes for business creation in diverse fields such as agricultural DX and semiconductors.
- • Meeting with BOI Secretary General Narit
Vice-Minister Matsuo and Secretary General Narit exchanged views on industrial cooperation, especially regarding automotive supply chains. They also discussed the outcomes of the First Energy and Industry Dialogue held in Bangkok last April, as well as future direction for the Dialogue.
- Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo Attends Thailand-Japan Investment Forum (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
