Indonesia asks Japan to invest in islands near disputed waters

Indonesian President Joko Widodo 9Centre, in black jacket) visiting a military base at Natuna, Indonesia, near the South China Sea. - Reuters

JAKARTA: Indonesia's President Joko Widodo on Friday (Jan 10) asked Japan to step up investment in fisheries and energy in some of its South China Sea islands following a stand-off with foreign countries in waters that China claims in the area.

Widodo made the request for Japan to consider economic opportunities in the Natuna islands during a visit to Jakarta by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the president's office said in a statement.