President Joko Widodo presented the medal, the countrys highest civilian honor, on Nikai at the State Palace.
"The Bintang Jasa Utama medal has been given in recognition of extraordinary services rendered to improve friendly relations between Indonesia and Japan," state secretary Pratikno said.
Toshihiro Nikai, born on February 17, 1939, was chairman of the Committee and Budget of the House of Representative in 2013 and chairman of the General Council of the Liberal Democrat Party.
President Joko Widodo issued Presidential Decision Number 84/TK/2015 dated August 7, 2015 to award the medal to Nikai in recognition of his services to strengthen the relations between the two countries.
Bintang Jasa Utama," awarded for extraordinary services to the Indonesian state and nation in certain fields other than military, is ranked below the "Bintang Mahaputra.
President Joko Widodo, at a meeting with the Japan-Indonesia Parliament League, said he appreciated the chairman of the Japan-Indonesia Parliament League and 1,100 Japanese figures who are currently visiting the country.
"I hope this visit will continue to promote the close relationship between Japan and Indonesia, between Japanese and Indonesian communities, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
President Joko Widodo said he had met and had a discussion with Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two had agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
"We have agreed to cooperate in infrastructure and manufacturing, including maritime, and in other fields," he said.
As an open economy, he said, Indonesia will continue to deregulate certain businesses, and efforts such as the recently issued six economic policy packages were aimed to create a more efficient and competitive economy.
Toshihiro Nikai expressed appreciation for the Indonesian government for the medal and for the honor to meet with the head of state.(WDY)
