FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KONTRIBUSI JEPANG DALAM KERJA SAMA ASEAN – JAPAN COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

This study aims to discuss a major topic of cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, namely the ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP). Equipped with an explanation of the beginning of the AJCEP and the process of making amendments, the study will focus on the reasons behind Japan's action to ratify the amendments to the First Protocol of AJCEP in 2019. This focus shows how a country will always move by considering various advantages and disadvantages as an effort to achieve rational choices to fulfill its national interest. In completing this research, the author uses Rational Choice theory and Liberal Institutionalism theory. The Rational Choice theory will be the basis in explaining that Japan's policy on its ratification of the First Protocol amendment is based on various considerations so that it becomes the most rational choice. Meanwhile, the Liberal Institutionalism theory will underlie the explanation regarding ASEAN's big role in facilitating discussion, negotiation, and supervising the ten member countries in AJCEP cooperation according to its function as a Southeast Asian regional organization. The research method that the author uses is qualitative through literature study from related literatures. The basis of the research resulted in an answer that the amendment to the First Protocol which had gone through a process of discussion with ASEAN brought various benefits and hopes for the Government of Japan so that Japan reached a policy of ratifying the amendment as the most rational decision of policy choice. The increased cooperation that occurred between ASEAN and Japan because of the amendment has resulted in significant advantages in the realm of AJCEP cooperation.