A multi-partisan delegation of Diet members and experts on human rights and democracy visited Indonesia, an important strategic partner for Japan in the Indo-Pacific region, on July 22–25, 2024. The delegation was headed by Hon. Gen Nakatani, former special advisor on international human rights issues to Prime Minister Kishida. The delegation was organized as part of JCIE’s Democracy for the Future program as part of our efforts to elevate support for democratic governance as a key aspect of Japan’s foreign policy and development assistance.
While in Indonesia the delegation met with a variety of key stakeholders, including Indonesian parliamentarians, civil society groups, and academics. These meetings featured frank discussions centered on Indonesia’s democratization as well as the current state and challenges for democratic governance and human rights in ASEAN member states. They also exchanged opinions on expectations for what role Japan can play in the region. A full report on the delegation’s activities is forthcoming.
Participants
GEN NAKATANI, Member, House of Representatives (LDP); Former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for International Human Rights Issues; Former Defense Minister
MITSUNARI OKAMOTO, Member, House of Representatives (Komeito); Chair, Standing Committee on Economy, Trade and Industry, House of Representatives; Former State Minister of Finance; Former Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs
MASAHARU NAKAGAWA, Member, House of Representatives (CDP); Chair, Standing Committee on Discipline, House of Representatives; Former Minister of Education
SHU SAKURAI, Member, House Of Representatives (CDP)
MARI TAKAGI, Member, House of Councillors (CDP)
YUKIO TAKASU, President, Japan Committee for UNICEF; Former UN Undersecretary-General for Management; Former Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations; Representative, Indo-Pacific Platform for Universal Values (IPPUV) Steering Committee
KIMITOSHI YABUKI, Attorney at Law, Yabuki Law Offices; Member, IPPUV Steering Committee
HIDEKO KATSUMATA, Co-founder and Fellow, Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/Japan); Executive Director, IPPUV Steering Committee