Minister Retno Marsudi Opens New Indonesian Embassy Building in Tokyo
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17 December 2023 17:39 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi inaugurated the new building of the Indonesian embassy in Higashi-Gotanda district of Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, December 15, 2023.
"This new building is fit for the purpose. The design of the building is in line with the need for protection from earthquakes," she remarked in her opening speech at the inauguration ceremony.
She said she felt she was in Indonesia when she entered the building.
Marsudi then expressed optimism about the new building serving as a platform for Indonesian diplomacy and efforts to continue intensifying bilateral ties with Japan.
"Japan is Indonesia's second-largest partner in trade. Last year, the total value of our bilateral trade exceeded US$42 billion," she noted.
The East Asian country, she said, ranks fourth in terms of its investment in Indonesia, with the total investment value reaching US$3.56 billion in 2022.
In her speech, Marsudi also expressed her gratitude to the Japanese government for its steadfast support for the development of the new building.
"Hopefully, this building will always serve as a symbol of the strong friendship and cooperation between the two countries -- Indonesia and Japan," she stated.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, Tsuji Kiyoto, attended the inauguration ceremony.
He said he was honored to have the opportunity to inaugurate the building with Minister Marsudi.
Indonesia and Japan have significantly strengthened their relations over the past year, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of bilateral ties, the deputy minister added.
The construction of the new building began in April 2021.
For developing the building, the embassy collaborated with contractor Taisei Corporation. Meanwhile, design and architectural advice were provided by Kisho Kurokawa Architect and Associates company.
Indonesian and Japanese architects worked hand in hand to construct the building with materials transported from Indonesia, such as marble, granite, and temple stone.
ANTARA
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