Bogor, West Java (Indonesia Window) - The Japanese government will provide assistance of 50 billion Yen or around 473 million U.S. dollars to assist Indonesia in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the leaders of the two countries has said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga discussed on bilateral cooperation at Indonesia’s Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java on Tuesday.

“Considering the impact of the spread of COVID-19 on the Indonesian economy, on this occasion Japan decided to provide a loan as fiscal assistance of 50 billion Yen to improve Indonesia's disaster management,” Suga said in a joint press conference with President Jokowi at the palace.

In addition, Suga added, Japan will encourage cooperation with Indonesian health assessment institutions, through the provision of medical supplies and assistance.

Meanwhile, the president stated that since the beginning Japan has been an important partner for Indonesia in overcoming the pandemic, including in evacuating 69 Indonesian crew members from the Diamond Princess Ship anchored in Yokohama.

President Jokowi also welcomed the signing of the memorandum on health cooperation between Indonesia and Japan on October 19, 2020.

"Indonesia appreciates Japan’s commitment and contributions for establishing the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund," RI’s president said.

The funds are a reallocation of the ASEAN Plus One and ASEAN Plus Three (APT) cooperation funds. APT consists of Japan, South Korea and China.

This is PM Yoshihide Suga's first overseas trip since replacing Shinzo Abe who resigned for health reasons last month.

Prior to Indonesia, the Japanese prime minister visited Vietnam.

Reporting by Indonesia Window