ABSTRACT
The 1990s became a turning point for Japanese foreign policy toward Indonesia, as it faced several new challenges. Under Suharto, Japan's strategic interest in Indonesia focused on natural resources—;;especially after the oil shock in 1973—;;and direct investment, particularly after the Plaza Accord in 1985, with Official Development Assistance (ODA) supporting the twin goals. The Fukuda Takeo Doctrine supported these goals by working to improve the national image as a way of blunting Indonesian criticisms of what some locals viewed as Japan's economic dominance. Japan's maritime security diplomacy with Southeast Asian countries is driven by shared concerns about China's hegemonic ambitions and more assertive actions in the South China Sea (SCS). Abe Shinzo's five principles were announced during his first international trip in December 2012, illustrating the priority he placed on Indonesia as the centerpiece of his Southeast Asian diplomacy and security cooperation agenda. The Indonesian military is responsive to Abe's security agenda and welcomes Japan as a strategic partner.
