RRI



 

Japanese Embassy Political Section Director, Tanaka Motoyasu has emphasized the role of youth as a bridge for the future of Japan-Indonesia relations. The Japanese government continues to strengthen cultural exchanges with the Indonesian Muslim community through its Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) program for young Indonesian Muslims.

The exchange program has been running since 2017 and has involved participants from four Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, State Islamic University (UIN), and Istiqlal Mosque.

To date, a total of 132 people have participated, with eight new participants scheduled to visit Japan this November.

"Because the youth are a bridge to the future for all of us. Therefore, we want to continue this program," Tanaka said at the inauguration of the JENESYS Muslim Youth Alumni Association at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Tanaka said that the alumni association's inauguration is a way to strengthen communication networks across different generations and organizations. He expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in organizing the JENESYS program.

In addition to the JENESYS program for youth, Japan has also regularly invited leaders of Islamic boarding schools to the country almost every year since 2004. Tanaka expressed belief that these exchanges are important for deepening understanding and strengthening the relationship between the two countries in the future.

Tanaka expressed hope that the alumni association can further strengthen the friendship between Indonesia and Japan. He encouraged all participants to use this opportunity to continue building communication and cooperation.