Indonesia, Japan Pledge To Strengthen Relation In ""

JAKARTA, Sept 11 (Antara) - Indonesian and Japanese governments have pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations by exchanging cultures on the 9th Art and Culinary "Jak-Japan Matsuri" (JJM) Festival, held on Sept 9-10 at Wisma Aldiron, Jakarta. During the opening session, the representatives of the two countries re-affirmed the 59 year close relations of Indonesia and Jakarta. The Governor of Jakarta, Djarot Saiful Hidayat who was represented by his deputy assistant, Sahat Parulian lauded the the Jak-Japan Matsuri organizers and the regional government of Jakarta who have hosted the annual event since 2009. "Indonesia and Japan have shared noble values of the eastern cultures, including the colors of our flag, comprising of white that symbolizes purity, and red for the bravery," the governor said in his opening remarks on the festival. Hence, the two countries have continued to stepping up their efforts in the diplomatic relations, such as establishing a sister city agreement between two capital cities of Tokyo and Jakarta. "As a result, Japan now has ranked as the top investors in Jakarta," the governor noted. Hidayat, moreover, also called all people to visit the festival in order to increase knowledge on the Japanese cultures, such as dances, songs, and culinary attractions. "By coming to the festival, we would maintain our friendships and solidarity to our fellow Japanese people who currently stayed in our country," the governor reiterated, while chanting "Gambatte Kudasai!" (Do Your Best!) to about 10,000 visitors crowding the first day festival. Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia, Masafumi Ishii, highlighted the theme of the 9th "Jak-Japan Matsuri" festival, "Indonesia and Japan Always Together" in his remarks during the festival. "I believe the festival has served as an important symbol to work and thrive together. Therefore, I would like to thank the organizers who had worked really hard to finally host this art and cultural event," Ishii said. The ambassador admitted, the JJM was the first annual festival he visited during his official posting in Indonesia. "I have just been posted (as ambassador) for five months, and the festival was the first for me, but I could sense the excitement and all the positive vibes of the event," he remarked. Earlier on Saturday, head of the organizer, Jak-Japan Matsuri Committee, Kazunori Kobayashi said the festival has played an important role in ensuring the close relations of Indonesia and Japan. "The two countries were always in the same team, and we are always together through the thick and the thin. I believe, Indonesia and Japan would continue this long partnership in all sectors," Kobayashi noted. Established since 2009 after the 50 years commemoration of Indonesia-Japan diplomatic relations, the festival has consistently showcased the Japanese and Indonesian cultures, including the dances and musics performances. During this year's festival, the 9th "Jak-Japan Matsuri" features the Japanese percussion group, Ogawa Daisuke, the Mikoshi parade, the Enjuku vocal group, and several Indonesian stars, including JKT48 vocal group, Tompi, and Tulus. Apart from the performances, the festival also displayed some food stalls of Indonesian and Japanese dishes, such as Unagi (eel), Sushi, Oden - meat and seafood balls with a clear soup, Takoyaki - an octopus cake, as well as Kerak Telor - an Indonesian traditional omelet, and several booths of games and other attractions.