Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Ties, Jokowi Calls for Industrial Revolution

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for a stronger collaboration between ASEAN and Japan for the transformation of the Industrial Revolution 5.0.

Jokowi, as president is widely known, conveyed this encouragement at the Summit Celebrating 50 Years of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation with the theme "Heart to Heart Partners Across Generation" in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday.

"For the past 50 years, ASEAN-Japan have worked together to strengthen partnerships and unite communities through scholarship programs and youth and cultural exchanges. However, the challenges ahead will be increasingly complex," he said in a written statement from the Presidential Secretariat today, as quoted by Antara.

In order to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and Japan, especially in improving human resources quality, Jokowi proposed educational cooperation and research development according to priorities between countries.

"The young entrepreneurs and start-ups networking must be strengthened and prepared to accelerate the development of the digital economy and strategic industries such as manufacturing and semiconductors," he suggested.

Jokowi also mentioned that easy community mobility within the region must be improved, including through language training and mutual recognition for skills and academics.

"In 2030, the ASEAN workforce is projected to reach 385 million people. This number can be used to fill the need for workers, both skilled and professional in Japan," Jokowi remarked.

"We also need to improve the tourism sector and technological innovation to encourage mutual understanding and economic growth in the region."

The president conveyed his belief regarding relations between ASEAN and Japan that exist across generations can bridge differences in a divided world.

"The bridge to peace and prosperity for mankind, that is what we are," he addressed, who likened ASEAN-Japan relations as a bridge to peace and prosperity for mankind.

Also accompanying Jokowi at the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto; Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi; Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung; Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif; and Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi.