Jakarta, SAWIT INDONESIA - The Indonesia–Japan Meeting and Partnership (IJMP) 2026 forum was inaugurated by Indonesia’s Deputy Ambassador to Japan, Maria Renata Hutagalung, in Nagoya on Friday, May 1, 2026. The forum served as a platform to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic collaboration and human resource development between Indonesia and Japan.
Carrying the theme “Co-creating the Future of Economic Synergy and Human Resource Development,” the event highlighted Indonesia’s opportunities to expand exports of footwear products and palm oil derivatives to the Japanese market.
In her remarks, Maria Renata stated that Indonesia’s footwear industry has become an integral part of the global supply chain and continues to show strong potential in Japan, a market that highly values quality, innovation, and sustainability.
She also emphasized that Indonesia’s palm oil derivative products hold growing strategic importance, not only as trade commodities but also as potential contributors to global sustainable energy solutions.
According to her, Indonesia’s palm oil sector aligns with Japan’s energy transition agenda and biomass development efforts. She further stressed the importance of sustainability standards, transparency, and certification to meet Japan’s strict market requirements.
The forum was attended by several prominent figures, including Indonesia’s Honorary Consul in Nagoya Hideo Sugimoto, Nagoya Investment and Exchange Division Director Kobayashi Shunsuke, Solidaridad Japan Chairperson Sato Hiroshi, and Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GPPI) Chairperson Delima Hasri Azahari.
The discussion also addressed efforts to improve the skills and competitiveness of Indonesian workers in Japan. Data from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo showed that 86,955 Indonesians were employed under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme, while 124,967 participated in the Technical Intern Training Program.
By December 2025, the total number of Indonesians living in Japan reached 266,069 people, with Aichi Prefecture recording the largest Indonesian community at 21,153 residents.
During her visit to Nagoya, Maria Renata also attended Indonesia Fair 2026, which showcased Indonesian creative industries, culinary products, cultural performances, as well as consular and immigration services for Indonesians in Japan.
The event was organized through collaboration between TIG Indonesian diaspora and Kinarya, as stated by Windu Wijaya, the committee representative.
