President Prabowo Subianto hosted a luncheon with the delegation from the Japan Indonesia Association (JAPINDA) and the Japan Jakarta Club (JJC) at the State Palace in Jakarta. The event, held on Friday, December 6, 2024, served as a significant opportunity to strengthen the ties between Indonesia and Japan while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the archipelago.
"It is a great honor for me to welcome you to the State Palace in Indonesia," the President stated in his opening remarks.
In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the President emphasized that Japan has been a long-standing partner of Indonesia. He noted that both the Japanese government and private sector have been actively involved in supporting economic development and human resource enhancement across various fields.
"Therefore, we warmly welcome the presence of Japanese investors and corporations. We hope you will feel increasingly inclined to participate in our development," he added.
During the luncheon, the delegates were treated to a variety of traditional dishes that highlighted the diverse flavors from different regions of the archipelago. The menu included dishes such as lime leaf rice paired with mushroom asparagus, Indonesian roasted chicken, basil beef, and red and white shrimp.
Throughout the meal, the delegates enjoyed a musical performance that blended piano melodies with traditional instruments from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), specifically the Sasando. They were also presented with musical pieces from both countries, featuring regional Indonesian songs alongside popular Japanese tunes.
This event marked an important moment to demonstrate Indonesia's commitment to fostering strong international relations through cultural engagement. Amid various global challenges, such activities serve as a reminder of the significance of culture-based diplomacy.