Indonesia, Japan expand vocational education ties

hartono · Feb 15, 2026

Vice President of the Japan University of Economics Ichiro Matsumoto (third right) and Dean of the Vocational School at Gadjah Mada University Prof. Dr. Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono (center), together with Sakuranesia Foundation Founder Tovic Rustam (second left) and Sakura Ijuin (left), as well as representatives of Sanko Gakuen, sign a vocational education partnership in Fukuoka, Japan, recently. ANTARA/HO-Sakuranesia Foundation.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Sakuranesia Foundation has brokered new vocational education partnerships between Indonesia and Japan, seeking to strengthen human resource development through industry-focused training and student exchanges, the foundation said on Saturday.

Founder Tovic said the cooperation was underscored by a visit to Japan by Prof. Agus Maryono, dean of the Vocational School at Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

“Sakuranesia will continue promoting human resource development that creates value for society through Indonesia-Japan cooperation,” Tovic said in a statement issued in Jakarta.

Acting as a liaison between institutions in both countries, Sakuranesia organized a forum in Japan for dialogue and the signing of education partnership agreements.

During the visit, Maryono reviewed early childhood STEAM education practices at the Azalee Group in Edogawa and met with Kazuhiko Hiruma, chairman of Sanko Gakuen, along with other stakeholders.

The meeting, attended by Tovic, resulted in an agreement to launch a pilot project in vocational education.

A separate partnership ceremony was held at the Fukuoka Campus of the Japan University of Economics, part of the Tsuzuki Gakuen Group, marking an initial step in expanding bilateral cooperation in human resource development.

Tovic said exchanges with leading private education groups in Japan are expected to lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration benefiting both countries.

UGM’s Vocational School is known for its practice-based and internationally oriented curriculum. In their fourth year, students must undertake internships or overseas study programs.

About 30 percent of its students gain international exposure each year through such schemes.

Under the new partnership, Indonesian students are expected to access broader industry experience in Japan, strengthen cross-cultural competencies and sharpen practical skills to support their future careers.

“This partnership goes beyond academic exchange. It aims to build a foundation for young generations in both countries to understand each other, learn together and sustainably contribute to society,” Tovic said.