MCI(P)123/09/2018 CONTENTS ◆Recent Activities Vol.74 December 2018 P.1 60th Anniversary of Japan-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations ~Unveiling a New Era ◆Recent Activities of Japan-Indonesia Bilateral Ties~ P.3 A message from Mr. Doddy Alfero, President of JETAA Indonesia (Former CIR in Kochi 60th Anniversary of City) P.5 Holding of the Local Japan-Indonesia Administration Seminar at Hue City in Central Vietnam Diplomatic Relations P.6 Japan Local Administration Seminar at Universiti Brunei ~Unveiling a New Era of Darussalam Japan-Indonesia Bilateral Ties~ P.7 Collaborative Project with ABC Cooking Studio Singapore P.8 ‘Eisa’ Drums Okinawan Charm into Singapore! ◆Travel Fairs in ASEAN Countries Promoting Japan travel at: P.9 “NATAS Holidays 2018”, The Largest Travel Fair in Singapore! P.10 “Japan Travel Fair 2018 Autumn & Winter” in Indonesia! ◆Do you know Japanese Local Foods? 2018 commemorates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of P.11 Discover the Allure of Nagoya Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations. The year-long celebration of this auspicious occasion kick-started in January with an official opening Meshi event held in Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta, followed by a series of P.11 Satisfying and Heartwarming! commemorative programs and events that were implemented in Toyohashi’s Dreamy Curry Udon! Indonesia as well as Japan. Against a backdrop of rapid economic growth and improving standard of living especially in urbanised areas, Indonesia is constantly gaining worldwide attention as a developing market with high potential for sustainable growth. In this context, Japanese local governments are proactively establishing cooperative ties with Indonesia, especially in The Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (J.CLAIR), Singapore 6 Battery Road #26-01/02 Singapore 049909 Tel: +65-6224-7927 Fax: +65-6224-8376 Email: [email protected] HP: http://www.clair.org.sg/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clairsg/ 1 terms of attracting Indonesian tourists to visit Japan, In addition, J.CLAIR Singapore also collaborated as well as recruiting Coordinators for International with Okinawa Prefecture and Sendai City to stage Relations (CIRs) through the Japan Exchange and performances of traditional Japanese culture from Teaching (JET) Programme in hopes of promoting the different regions. The stage performances included internationalisation of Japanese local governments. sanshin (a traditional musical instrument) and folk songs from Okinawa staged by the Okinawa Club in In conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Indonesia, Sendai Suzume Dance (sparrow dance) Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations, J.CLAIR staged by the Singapore Sendai Suzume Dance Group, Singapore participated in a series of related events. as well as Bon Odori Dance performances staged by For example, J.CLAIR Singapore participated as an students from the University of Indonesia. exhibitor in the “Japan Village (Nihon Mura)” festival held in Indonesia to showcase Japanese travel Some local visitors commented that by attending the destinations as well as unique Japanese cultures. In event they were able to gain knowledge about the addition, J.CLAIR Singapore also provided support in diverse regions in Japan as well as the uniqueness of the establishment of the JET Alumni Association each region, and that they were enticed to visit such (JETAA) Indonesia Chapter in collaboration with the local regions in the future. As such, it can be said that Embassy of Japan in Indonesia. Japan Village has successfully promoted the various exciting local travel destinations to Indonesians 1. Japan Village (Nihon Mura) participating in the event. As the key event to commemorate the 60th It is hoped that Japan Village has served as a catalyst anniversary of Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations, in attracting more Indonesians to visit Japan in the Japan Village was held with the objective of future. disseminating information on various travel destinations in Japan, as well as providing a platform for local Indonesians to appreciate the many facets of traditional Japanese culture. The event was held at AEON Mall BSD City in Indonesia’s Tangerang over a 2-week period from 14 to 30 September 2018, where J.CLAIR Singapore and 21 other Japanese local governments featured local travel destinations at the booth or through travel pamphlets. During the event period, J.CLAIR Singapore as well as participating Japanese local governments also collaborated to stage performances of Japanese traditional culture. J.CLAIR Singapore exhibited a booth at the event A scene from “Japan Village” from 14 to 20 September that showcased tourist spots in the local regions of Japan. At the booth, J.CLAIR Singapore also provided an opportunity for local 2. Commemorative Reception for JETAA visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture Indonesia Chapter through yukata (costume), kendama (toy), tanabata (festival) and origami. On 15 and 16 September, Since 1998, a total of 16 JET Programme participants Kochi Prefecture and Toshima City in Tokyo jointly from Indonesia, namely 13 Coordinators for exhibited a booth that featured free-tasting of yuzu International Relations (CIRs) and 3 Sports Exchange juice from Kochi as well as an art culture event Advisors (SEAs) have proactively contributed to the focusing on animation and cosplay conducted by internationalisation initiatives implemented by Toshima City. The programs attracted many local Japanese local governments. Even though the number visitors, both young and old. of JET alumni in Indonesia is relatively low as compared to other countries, these JET alumni are 2 playing vital roles in strengthening the cordial bilateral JET Programme participants, in addition to conducting relations between Japan and Indonesia. Such activities that aim at introducing Japanese cultures to endeavours are evident in activities such as the annual the various regions of Indonesia. As illustrated by Mr. “Surabaya Yosakoi Festival” which is coordinated by Doddy Alfero in his declaration, JETAA Indonesia former CIRs of Japan’s Kochi City who are currently will strive its best to maintain the cordial living in Surabaya. Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations, and at the same time promote the JET Programme in Indonesia so as In order to signify the preponderance of JET alumni to enhance the bilateral ties between both countries. in Indonesia as well as to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations, J.CLAIR Singapore aspires to contribute its part in the Indonesian Chapter of the JET Alumni Association further strengthening the cooperation between local (JETAA) that symbolises the cordial bilateral relations governments in Japan and Indonesia between Japan and Indonesia was established in 2018 with efforts from the JET alumni, the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia and J.CLAIR Singapore. On 18 September, a commemorative reception was held at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Jakarta which was graced by Ambassador Ishii himself, in addition to Mr. Okamoto who is the Chairman of CLAIR’s Board of Directors in Tokyo, as well as representatives from other Japanese organisations in Indonesia. The newly-elected President of JETAA Indonesia, Mr. Doddy Alfero delivered a declaration for the establishment of JETAA Indonesia during the reception. Commemorative Photo JETAA Indonesia has scheduled a series of programs that included providing support to new and former A message from Mr. Doddy Alfero, President of JETAA Indonesia (Former CIR in Kochi City) Indonesia is a vast and diversified country located between the Asia Continent and Australia, and between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Indonesia has more than 12,000 islands, big and small, and has more than 200 native tribes who live together peacefully. Indonesia has been establishing international relations since centuries ago. The relations were in trading, politics, diplomacy, defence, and many other areas. This continues to this modern age. The diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan in the modern era started in 1958 and continues to present day. In September 18, 2018, an anniversary dinner party commemorating the 60 years of diplomatic relations between these two countries was held at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Jakarta. During that dinner Mr. Doddy Alfero, occasion , an inauguration of an alumni organisation was also held. It is President of JETAA Indonesia an organisation which consists of Indonesian alumni of the JET (Former CIR in Kochi City) Programme, or also known as JETAA-Indonesia. The JET Programme is a programme that aims at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other countries. It was first introduced in Indonesia in 1998. The first Indonesian participant of this 3 programme was assigned to Kochi City in Kochi Prefecture of the Shikoku Island. Kochi City has very vibrant sister city relations with Surabaya City, the second biggest city in Indonesia. The people share the same character and interests, and this relationship is well backed up by both municipalities. CIRs (Coordinator for International Relations) under the JET Programme function to bridge the communication exchange between both cities and they have contributed to leverage the cordial bilateral relations to greater heights. Other than Kochi City, some other Indonesian JET Programme participants were assigned to different Japanese cities as well, whereby they were assigned as CIRs and SEAs (Sports Exchange Advisor) respectively. The cities of Gifu and