REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida has commended Indonesia for its success in holding the legislative and presidential election this year.

"I congratulate the Indonesian people for holding the election smoothly. The latest election reflects Indonesia's democratic maturity," said Kishida after meeting with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Fumio explained that his visit to Indonesia was to discuss about bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Japan. In addition, he had also been specially tasked by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to deliver a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The letter contains congratulatory words from Prime Minister Abe for conducting a smooth election process in Indonesia this year.

Indonesia had conducted two elections this year--legislative and presidential. The legislative election was held on April 9 and contested by 15 political parties.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) had won the legislative election followed by Golkar and Gerindra parties.

Meanwhile, the presidential election was held on July 9, contested by two pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates--Prabowo Subianto with his running mate Hatta Radjasa and Joko Widodo with Jusuf Kalla.

On July 22, the General Elections Commission announced Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla pair as the winner of presidential election. However, the decision was contested by Prabowo Subianto and Hatta Radjasa pair at the Constitutional Court (MK).

The MK is still conducting hearing session for the case. The court is expected to announce its verdict on August 21.

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