Shinichi Kikuchihara, Chairman of the Jakarta Japan Club (JJC) explains the Club’s role as a bridge between Japan and Indonesia
Bridges: Having assumed the role of the Chairman at the Jakarta Japan Club very recently, what are your goals to develop the Club?
Kikuchihara: As a chairman of the organization, representing around 700 Japanese companies and around 2,200 individual members surrounding Jakarta, we would like to further enhance the presence of Japan in Indonesia.
Indonesia and Japan have built an invaluable relationship of trust over the years. Following the growth of Indonesia and Japan, in addition to the uncertain development of the global geopolitical situation, we believe that close communication is essential to align with both countries’ needs and try to find the form of mutual partnerships.
We may face difficult situation, but we believe that we will be able to overcome them through various collaboration, as we are the ones who would like to create bright future for both countries.
Indonesia and Japan have built an invaluable relationship of trust over the years.
Shinichi Kikuchihara, Chairman of the Jakarta Japan Club (JJC)
In the coming October, a new government will be inaugurated in Indonesia and as we have done in the past, JJC will continue to cooperate with the new administration and try to position itself as a bridge between Japan and Indonesia.
How do you see the Indonesia – Japan economic partnership developing in the near future?
Japanese companies have been blessed with the opportunity to play a big role in supporting the development of infrastructure, human resource and decarbonization in Indonesia.
With the improvement of the investment climate leading up to inflows of Japanese investment, more and more Japanese corporations will try to contribute to the betterment of business environment in Indonesia.
In the future, Japan as a strategic partner of Indonesia will continue to strengthen the longstanding economic partnership and also help realize Net Zero Emission Indonesia in 2060, and JJC as the largest Japanese business association in Indonesia certainly would like to play a part in it.
Investment continues to flow into Indonesia from Japan, what sectors are showing the most growth?
Automotive, manufacture, and infrastructure sectors are seeing a stable growth, but currently the financial (banking), real estate market, consumer goods, and energy sectors are seeing an exponential growth in investment.
The sub-sectors of the energy industry are now blooming with hundreds of Japanese companies working to help Indonesia achieve Net Zero through decarbonization efforts such as the utilization of projects like hydrogen/ammonia plants, carbon capture, EV, forestry, waste management, and many others.
In the future, Japan as a strategic partner of Indonesia will continue to strengthen the longstanding economic partnership and also help realize Net Zero Emission Indonesia in 2060, and JJC as the largest Japanese business association in Indonesia certainly would like to play a part in it.
These efforts by Japanese companies help reducing 46 million tons of CO2 per year, estimating in total of 350 million tons of CO2 reduction by 2060.
What message do you have for our readers regarding your new role?
Indonesia is one of the most important partners for Japan. In addition to its long history and good relationship with Japan, Indonesia has a large and growing young population, complemented by rich natural resources and potential.
I would like to invite readers to join us to further deepen our relationship with Indonesia and work on sustainable growth for both countries. We are aiming to stay close with Indonesia and create a bright future together.
The Jakarta Japan Club
+62 (21)572-4321
+62 (21)572-4351
