Emperor Naruhito and his entourage arrived at the Jakarta MRT Depot area at around 10.37 a.m. local time, Sunday (18/6) and were welcomed by the Acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesia’s Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi accompanied Emperor Naruhito and his entourage to visit a depot of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Jakarta, on Sunday, June 18 2023.

"The MRT is an Indonesian-Japan cooperation project that has extraordinary benefits. During the four years of operation, it has not only had zero accidents but has also become a cultural icon and friendship between Indonesia and Japan," Ambassador Heri said.

A culture of discipline, cleanliness and detailed care are Japanese characteristics that we should emulate and maintain, he said, adding that the MRT does not only build physical infrastructure, but also builds its people.

In his statement, Heri explained that the MRT project brings benefits not only for Jakarta's transportation but also serves as a symbol of culture and friendship between Indonesia and Japan.

"Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's visit to Indonesia is right in the middle of the 65th anniversary of Indonesia-Japan relations. This is of course a symbol of strengthening wider and strategic cooperation between the two countries in various sectors," he added.

Emperor Naruhito and his entourage arrived at the Jakarta MRT Depot area at around 10.37 a.m. local time and were greeted by Acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono.

The visit to the Jakarta MRT Depot continued to the Pluit Reservoir Pump Station, Jakarta.

Emperor and Empress Masako are scheduled to be in Indonesia on June 17-23, 2023.

Apart from meeting with Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo on Monday, June 19, 2023, the emperor and his entourage visited several locations including the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta, Borobudur Temple in Central Java and the Sultanate Palace in Yogyakarta.

President Joko Widodo said the state visit of Emperor Hironomiya Naruhito and Empress Masako to Indonesia further strengthened the foundations of friendship between the people of Indonesia and Japan.

The president also said he felt very honored because Indonesia was the first destination for the Japanese Emperor's bilateral state visit abroad.

Editing by Indonesia Window