Indonesia, Japan affirm deeper ties during Abe’s Asian tour

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Abe said an Indonesian-Japanese joint venture company would develop Patimban. He also pledged “business opportunities” worth 74 billion yen ($646 million) for coastal development and irrigation in Indonesia.

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Abe’s trip is largely aimed at taking a leadership role in promoting regional co-operation to counter Beijing at a time of increased tension between China and the U.S. and uncertainty about the policies of the incoming Donald Trump administration.

With the tour, Tokyo wants to send a message that its respect for a rules-based international system, in contrast to China’s more aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, where it has vast territorial claims, makes it the best partner for Southeast Asian countries.

Abe said he and Jokowi “exchanged views on the development of the regional situation, including the South China Sea issue that has been a concern for the entire international community that will directly affect the peace and stability of the region.”

“We reiterated the importance of enforcing the principle of the rule of law and peaceful settlement,” he said.

Abe’s swing through Asia has included two of America’s main allies in the region, Australia and the Philippines. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s hostility to the U.S. has raised doubts about his commitment to the U.S. alliance that Japan is a crucial part of.

Australia and Japan agreed to greater military co-operation, and in the Philippines, Abe pledged $8.7 billion in business opportunities and investment.

Jokowi said that in his meeting with Abe, he asked for Japan to open access for Indonesian agricultural goods, improve access for Indonesian nurses to work in Japan, commence a review of the Indonesia-Japan economic partnership agreement this year, and grant national carrier Garuda rights for a Jakarta-Tokyo-Los Angeles route.

After Indonesia, Abe will visit Vietnam, which the U.S. has cultivated stronger ties with as a part of President Barack Obama’s pivot to Asia policy.

Trump, however, has said he will scrap U.S. involvement in the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which was a signature part of Obama’s policy.

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Wright reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Niniek Karmini And Stephen Wright, The Associated Press