Indonesia invites Japan to develop electric vehicle ecosystem in ASEAN

Indonesia has invited Japan to collaborate in the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem (GO) in ASEAN. This statement was made by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during the ASEAN-Japan Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) held in Jakarta on July 13.

There are two areas of cooperation that need to be fostered to establish the Indo-Pacific as a center of growth. First, the development of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in ASEAN countries.

“We have often discussed this matter. Now is the time to turn these plans into reality. Both ASEAN and Japan will benefit from this collaboration,” said Minister Retno.

Japan is currently transitioning to 100% electric vehicles by 2035 and aims to become a leader in the electric vehicle industry. ASEAN is the right partner for Japan in the development of batteries for electric vehicles.

“Japan can support this cooperation, including through the Green Innovation Fund. The EV ecosystem will not only bring prosperity to the region, but will also bring us closer to a carbon-free society,” said the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

ASEAN-Korea partnership is vital for regional digital transformation

Second, cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the region. Indonesia believes that Japan also wants a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“We want an inclusive regional architecture in which all countries can feel safe. Only then can we focus on making our region a center of growth,” said Minister Retno.

50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations

The 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations this year serves as an impetus to strengthen cooperation.

In the economic sector, the meeting welcomed the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-creation Vision to promote diverse cooperation in digital economy, innovative infrastructure financing, green economy to support sustainable development, support for SMEs and strengthening the global supply chain.

During the meeting, the importance of identifying other strategic cooperations was also stressed, such as in the fields of energy transition, science and technology, cultural and tourism cooperation, and youth. In the health sector, the meeting encouraged launching the creation of the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). Japan stands ready to support a more resilient ASEAN, including through the Asian Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) initiative and quality infrastructure development.

Japan is currently transitioning to 100% electric vehicles by 2035 and aspires to become a leader in the electric vehicle industry

In the security sector, the meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and peace in the region by respecting international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The importance of cooperation to address non-traditional security issues, such as cybersecurity, was stressed. Japan has pledged to continue supporting ASEAN centrality, including through the implementation of the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook (AOIP). Japan has pledged a funding commitment of USD 100 million to support the implementation of the AOIP.

The meeting agreed to upgrade the ASEAN-Japan partnership from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which will be announced at the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Jakarta in September. The Japanese Foreign Minister also invited ASEAN leaders to attend the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to be held in Tokyo from December 16 to 18, 2023, at which the ASEAN Future Vision document will be adopted. -Japan.