Kebijakan Luar Negeri Jepang terhadap Madagaskar Melalui Official Development Assistance (ODA) pada Masa Pemerintahan Perdana Menteri Shinzo Abe

Abstract

Since 1962, the Japanese government has been committed to supporting Madagascar through Official Development Assistance (ODA) with the aim of promoting equitable and sustainable development in the country. Under the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has significantly increased its financial support to Madagascar, with a particular focus on key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. This research seeks to understand why Japan decided to provide Official Development Assistance to Madagascar under the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The study adopts a qualitative research approach that combines literature analysis methods with Rational Choice Theory, Foreign Policy, and Official Development Assistance (ODA). The findings of this research reveal that Japan also derives benefits from its commitment to Madagascar, including the opening of new markets for Japanese businesses, access to natural resources, the availability of a skilled workforce that meets the needs of Japanese companies operating in Madagascar, and the strengthening of regional connectivity between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, Japan enhances its diplomatic relations with African countries by increasing its Official Development Assistance and promoting peace in Africa with the aim of obtaining a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council while also limiting China's expansion on the African continent, which opposes Japan's ambitions. The refusal of Japan to provide Official Development Assistance to Madagascar would have negative consequences on Japan's economic, political, and international interests in Madagascar.