Indonesia Invites Japan to Develop EV Ecosystem in Southeast Asia

Indonesia has invited Japan to collaborate in developing the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

IDXChannel - Indonesia has invited Japan to collaborate in developing the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Southeast Asia. The cooperation is expected to help establish the region as a center of growth.

"We have often discussed this matter. Now is the time to turn these plans into reality. ASEAN and Japan will both benefit from this collaboration," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during the ASEAN-Japan Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) in Jakarta on Thursday (13/7).

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 electric vehicle batteries.

"Japan can support this cooperation, including through the Green Innovation Fund. The EV ecosystem will not only bring prosperity to the region but also bring us closer to a carbon-free society," said Retno.

The 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations this year serves as a momentum to strengthen cooperation. In the economic sector, the meeting welcomed the ASEAN Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision to promote various cooperation in the digital economy, innovative financing for infrastructure, green economy to support sustainable development, support for SMEs, and strengthening the global supply chain.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of identifying other strategic cooperation, including in the fields of energy transition, science and technology, cultural and tourism cooperation, and youth. In the sector of health, the meeting encouraged the implementation of the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). Japan is ready to support a more resilient ASEAN, including through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative and quality infrastructure development. 

Japan is committed to continuing to support ASEAN centrality, including through the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Japan has pledged a funding commitment of USD100 million to support the implementation of the AOIP.

The meeting agreed to elevate the ASEAN-Japan partnership from Strategic Partnership to 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 in Tokyo in December 2023, which will adopt the ASEAN-Japan Future Vision document. (WHY)