Vice President Expects Indonesian Diaspora in Japan to Become State Ambassadors to Promote Good Relations between Indonesia and Japan

Tokyo, wapresri.go.id – As one of the agenda of his visit to Japan, Vice President (VP) K.H. Ma’ruf Amin and Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma’ruf Amin attended an invitation to hold a dialogue with Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Japan and a luncheon at the Ambassador’s House of the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI), 5 Chome 2-26, Higashigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo, Monday (26/9). /2022).

In his direction, the VP hopes that the Indonesian diaspora in Japan will continue to contribute positively and become ambassadors of the country in promoting good relations between Indonesia and Japan.

“The presence of the Indonesian diaspora in Japan can contribute positively, become ambassadors for Indonesia, provide the best work, comply with local laws, keep in touch with each other, and help each other,” he said.

Furthermore, the VP said that next year Indonesia and Japan will celebrate 65 years of bilateral relations. According to him, there will be many activities prepared by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka that will also involve the Indonesian diaspora in Japan.

“I hope that the friendly relations between the two countries that have been going on for more than six decades will get closer and generate benefits for the welfare of the people of both countries,” the VP hoped.

Moreover, the VP revealed that this afternoon he would make a courtesy call to Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Kishida Fumio at the Akasaka Palace.

He said he would use this meeting to follow up on the results of President Joko Widodo’s visit to Japan at the end of July 2022 and to discuss several Indonesian interests, particularly strengthening economic cooperation, employment, health, and increasing human resource capacity.

“I (also) want to encourage potential cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, especially the development of the sharia economy and the halal industry, in the main sectors, namely food, cosmetics, fashion, and tourism,” he stated.

The VP also emphasized that Indonesia is ready to become Japan’s main partner in developing the halal business by utilizing the capabilities of MSMEs that are focused on people’s welfare.

“I hope the Indonesian diaspora in Japan can support this plan,” he urged.

Regarding the development of MSMEs, on this occasion, the VP appreciated the efforts to empower MSMEs in Japan by Indonesian citizens through the SME Center facilitated by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and supported by the synergy of banks and the Tokyo branch of state-owned enterprise offices. Including the establishment of a Halal Vending Machine owned by Indonesian citizens in Japan.

“Things like this need to continue to be developed to support the acceleration of national economic recovery after the pandemic,” he hoped.

Finally, the VP advised the Indonesian diaspora in Japan to continue to maintain their identity as the Indonesian nation by continuing to uphold and practice Pancasila and respect diversity.

“My message for those of you who are far from home is to always maintain Indonesia’s greatest wealth, namely Pancasila and diversity,” he said.

If there are difficulties, the VP asked the Indonesian diaspora not to hesitate to contact the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka.

“However, the Indonesian diaspora must also help our representatives in Japan by reporting themselves through the Portal Peduli WNI application, it’s like if you don’t know it, you don’t love it,” he said.

With the records of the diaspora, said the VP, it will be easier for the Indonesian Representatives to provide assistance and protection when needed.

“For example, if a natural disaster occurs, the data is already at the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia,” he concluded.

Previously, the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi, introduced the Indonesian diaspora who attended the occasion virtually coming from the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka, Bank Indonesia Tokyo, Bank Negara Indonesia Tokyo, Garuda Indonesia Tokyo, Pertamina Tokyo, APIJ (Entrepreneurs Association Indonesia in Japan), the Indonesian Islamic Community Family (KMII), the Japanese Indonesian Christian Community (KMKI), the Hindu Community Harmony, the Buddhist Community Harmony, the Indonesian Community in Japan (ICJ), the Nagoya Association, and the Japanese Indonesian Student Association (PPI).

Then, on this occasion, Heri also expressed his joy for the visit of the VP and Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma’ruf Amin to Japan and took the time to meet the Indonesian diaspora.

Furthermore, Ambassador Heri explained his work in providing services and protecting Indonesian citizens who live in this country nicknamed “the land of the rising sun”.

“The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo has made maximum efforts to facilitate Indonesian citizens who experience problems/disasters, among others, through guidance to the Indonesian citizen, especially areas with a large number of Indonesian citizens,” Heri explained.

In addition, he also continues to optimize the data collection of Indonesian citizens in Japan by involving the community as Free Daily Workers (THL) to help register Indonesian citizens who have started to settle in Japan.

“In addition, the Indonesian Embassy also carries out Indonesia Friendship Day (IFD) activities in a number of major cities in Japan to carry out consular services as well as welcoming the Indonesian Ambassador to Indonesian community leaders,” he said.

For information, until December 2021, the total number of Indonesian citizens in Japan reached 59,820 people consisting of permanent resident permit holders, temporary residents, apprentices, students, wives/husbands of Japanese citizens, visas for certain activities and others. Of the total number of Indonesian citizens, apprentices are the largest number, which is around 25,007 people, followed by holders of permanent resident residence permits, 7,077 people, and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) as many as 5,855 people.

Besides Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma’ruf Amin, accompanied the VP at this event Head of the Vice President’s Secretariat Ahmad Erani Yustika, Deputy for Government Policy Support and National Insights Velix Vernando Wanggai, Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs/Head of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andy Rachmianto, Special Staff for the VP for Bureaucratic Reform Mohamad Nasir, Special Staff for the VP for Communication and Information Masduki Baidlowi, Special Staff for the VP for Politics and Institutional Relations Robikin Emhas, and Team Experts for the VP Johan Tedja Surya. (NN/LHS, BPMI – Setwapres)