JABAR EKSPRES – Press Secretary to the Emperor of Japan Kojiro Shiojiri said that Emperor Naruhito’s visit to Indonesia is his first visit after ascending the throne on May 1, 2019.
“This means his first overseas visit after he (the emperor) ascended the throne,” Press Secretary Kojiro Shiojiri said in a statement here on Sunday.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are making a five-day visit to Indonesia and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Saturday (June 17).
Secretary Shiojiri said that Emperor Naruhito visited Indonesia at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who visited Japan in July last year.
Shiojiri also said that Emperor Naruhito was eager to see firsthand the development of relations between Indonesia and Japan.
In addition, he said that this year is a meaningful year because diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan have reached 65 years and 50 years of relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan.
Shiojiri said Emperor Naruito visited two places in Jakarta, namely Lebak Bulus MRT Depot and Pluit Reservoir Pumping Station, on Sunday.
During the visit to the Lebak Bulus MRT Depot, Shiojiri said Emperor Naruhito asked many questions and received detailed explanations from Indonesian and Japanese experts.
“For four years (after the inauguration), there is one achievement, which is that there has never been an accident, and also the operational ratio of punctuality is 99.9 percent,” Shiojiri said.
Shiojiri added that the MRT mentioned that they prioritize safety and service quality, such as providing facilities for people with disabilities.
It was also mentioned that the MRT operations are almost all carried out by Indonesians who have been well trained, and they are becoming very proficient human resources.
During the visit to Pluit Reservoir, Shiojiri said that Emperor Naruhito was very interested in water management and asked various questions during the visit.
