Japan and Indonesia to Hold Ministerial Talks on Maritime Security in Tokyo

Japan and Indonesia are arranging to hold ministerial talks on maritime security in Tokyo in mid-November, sources close to the plan said, amid China’s assertiveness in the East and South China seas. During their so-called two-plus-two meeting, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi are expected to reaffirm cooperation in the field of maritime security with their Indonesian counterparts, Sugiono and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, according to the sources. It will be the third two-plus-two meeting between the countries and the first since March 2021. Japan and Indonesia are expected to agree to strengthen bilateral ties further through the official security assistance framework, under which Japan provides defense equipment to like-minded countries, the sources said, adding that joint development of naval vessels may also be on the agenda. Indonesia, known for its ‘free and active’ foreign policy under which it maintains a balance in its relations with rival great powers, held a two-plus-two meeting with China in April this year.