Japan woos Indonesia with stealth frigates ahead of Prabowo-Takaichi talks

Indonesia’s president is heading to Tokyo – and Japan has eight stealth frigates, a mineral deal and a seat at the emperor’s lunch table waiting for him.Prabowo Subianto is due to arrive on March 29 for a three-day state visit, his first trip to Japan since taking office in October 2024.He will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and dine with Emperor Naruhito, according to a statement published by Tokyo’s Foreign Ministry on March 13.Analysts say the agenda will be dominated by defence, resource security and China.“Prabowo’s visit will be a great opportunity for the two countries to further strengthen the comprehensive and strategic partnership,” the ministry statement said.Japanese Emperor Naruhito waves to well‑wishers from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo last month. Photo: EPALast Sunday, Indonesia and Japan signed two memorandums of cooperation on critical minerals and nuclear energy on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo.