RETHINKING INDONESIA-JAPAN RELATIONS UNDER JOKO WIDODO GOVERNMENT: FOREIGN POLICY CHANGE, NATIONAL INTERESTS AND CHINA’S RISE

Abstract

This research examines the changing dynamics of Indonesia-Japan relations under the government of Joko Widodo (Jokowi), particularly following Japan’s disappointment with Indonesia’s decision to select China rather than Japan for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project. Employing a qualitative approach and neoclassical realism as the analytical framework, this study examines how domestic interests and changes in the international structure influenced Indonesia’s foreign policy towards Japan. During the Suharto era (1967–1997), Indonesia-Japan relations developed into a close and mutually beneficial partnership, with Japan providing economic assistance and investment to support Indonesia’s development. As a developing country rich in natural resources, Indonesia maintained close relations with Japan, a developed country with advanced economic capabilities but limited natural resources, based on complementary economic interests. In the post-Suharto era, particularly under the Jokowi administration, Indonesia’s foreign policy towards Japan changed as economic cooperation with China became increasingly prioritized. This study argues that the shift occurred because the Jokowi government perceived China as a more responsive partner in fulfilling Indonesia’s national interests, particularly its ambition to accelerate large-scale infrastructure development. Furthermore, changes in the international structure, especially the emergence of China as a major economic power, provided Indonesia with alternative sources of investment and cooperation. Consequently, Japan’s relative position in Indonesia’s foreign policy declined, although Japan remained an important economic and strategic partner. The findings demonstrate that changes in Indonesia’s foreign policy towards Japan were shaped by the interaction between domestic economic priorities and transformations in the regional and international environment.