JAKARTA, August 10, 2026 — Eight years ago, precisely on August 8, 2018, a network that brought together the interests of Indonesian and Japanese businesses was declared within the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia. Eight years later, Indonesia-Japan Business Network (IJBNet) returned to the Ministry of Industry to commemorate its eight-year journey.
Not just a birthday celebration, this moment marks the journey of a network that has been built from the start to be a bridge for collaboration between Indonesia and Japan.
The 8th Anniversary Celebration of IJBNet was held at PIDI 4.0 Building, Ministry of Industry, Jakarta, Monday (10/8/2026), with the theme: “Commemorating the 8th Anniversary of IJBNet – Strengthening the Collaboration Network between Indonesia and Japan.” The event brought together aspects of government, the business world, associations, academics, industry players, Japanese partners, and various stakeholders who have been part of the ecosystem of cooperation between the two countries.
Interestingly, the Ministry of Industry has witnessed the journey of IJBNet from its inception to its eighth anniversary. If in 2018 IJBNet was declared at the Central Office of the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, then in 2026 the organization returned to the Ministry of Industry to mark its eight-year journey—although this time in a different building.
Eight Years is Not Just a Number
Chairman of IJBNet Dr. Suyoto Rais stated that the eight-year journey of IJBNet is not merely measured by the age of the organization, but by how far the network that has been built can produce collaborations that provide real benefits.
“Eight years for IJBNet is not just a number. It is a journey of building trust, expanding networks, and bringing together various potentials of Indonesia and Japan. Therefore, after eight years, we want IJBNet to not stop at networking, but to move further towards concrete collaboration that makes an impact.”
According to Suyoto, the relationship between Indonesia and Japan has tremendous potential. Both countries have needs and strengths that can complement each other, ranging from industry, technology, investment, energy, environment to human resources. “Indonesia has abundant resources, a large market, and great talent. Japan has technology, industrial experience, and a strong business network. The challenge is how to bring these two strengths together in the form of real and sustainable cooperation.”
Back to the Ministry of Industry, The Place Where History Began
The momentum of eight years of IJBNet has its own historical value because this organization was born in the environment of the Ministry of Industry. On August 8, 2018, IJBNet was declared as a network that carries the spirit of strengthening business relations between Indonesia and Japan. Since then, IJBNet has continued to build networks with various circles, both in Indonesia and Japan. Now, eight years later, IJBNet is back at the Ministry of Industry.
“From the Ministry of Industry, back to the Ministry of Industry.” That sentence has become one of the symbols of the eight-year journey of IJBNet. Not to be nostalgic, but to emphasize that the journey of this organization is still long and the challenges of Indonesia–Japan cooperation ahead are actually getting bigger.
Minister of Industry: Indonesia–Japan Partnership Must Generate Added Value
Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in his speech read by the Director General of Resilience, Regional, and Access to International Industry (Dirjen KPAII) Ministry of Industry, Mr. Tri Supondy emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Indonesia and Japan, especially in facing the changing landscape of the industrial global.
“The partnership between Indonesia and Japan has a long history and continues to evolve. Moving forward, this cooperation must be increasingly directed towards enhancing investment, strengthening technology, improving industrial competitiveness, and developing human resources.”
According to him, the industrial world today is facing very rapid changes. Digital transformation, decarbonization, new and renewable energy, changes in global supply chains, and the need for skilled labor have become issues that cannot be faced by one country alone.
In this context, networks like IJBNet are seen as playing a role as a connector between various interests. “Collaboration between the government, the business world, research institutions, and international partners is becoming increasingly important. Indonesia needs strategic partners who can work together to build a strong, innovative, and sustainable industry.”
Japan: Indonesia Is Not Just a Market, but a Strategic Partner
From the Japanese side, the bilateral relationship with Indonesia also has increasingly broad prospects.
Mr. Myochin Mitsuru, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Japanese Embassy as the Representative of the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia assesses that the relationship between the two countries has developed far beyond conventional trade cooperation.
“The relationship between Indonesia and Japan has a very strong foundation and has developed in various fields. Cooperation economy, industry, technology, investment, and human resources opens many new opportunities for both countries.”, said Mr. Myochin.
According to the Japanese side, the role of networking business is becoming increasingly important because intergovernmental relations need to be translated into relationships between business actors and society that produce concrete cooperation. “We welcome various efforts that bring together the business world and stakeholders from Indonesia and Japan. We hope that the friendship and partnership between the two countries can continue to develop through cooperation that benefits the people of both countries.”
IJBNet Does Not Want to Stop at Networking
Entering its eighth year, IJBNet brings a clear message: Networking alone is not enough. Networking must produce meetings. Meetings must produce discussions. Discussions must produce cooperation. And cooperation must produce real impact.
This spirit is evident in the series of celebrations for IJBNet's eight-year anniversary, which not only includes ceremonies but also presentations from Japanese partners, business matching, and panel discussions.
A number of Japanese companies and organizations were present to introduce cooperation opportunities in Indonesia, including in the sector of green power, renewable energy, environmental technology, space technology, business development and human resource development. SAF, Decarbonization, and Indonesian Labor to Japan Become Highlights.
Three strategic issues are the main focus in the session business matching and panel discussion.
First, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The development of SAF raw materials has become one of the important issues amid the world's demands for a more sustainable aviation industry. The IJBNet forum brings together government elements, research institutions, companies, and Japanese partners to discuss the potential development of raw materials and the SAF supply chain.
Second, Decarbonization and Satellite Data.
The transformation towards a low-carbon economy requires support from increasingly accurate technology and data. Therefore, the utilization of satellite technology and geospatial data has become one of the topics discussed in the IJBNet forum.
Third, Human Resources and Indonesian Workers to Japan.
Japan's need for skilled labor opens up great opportunities for Indonesia. However, according to IJBNet, these opportunities must be prepared seriously. It is not only about the departure of workers but also concerns competencies, language, work culture, protection, productivity, and career sustainability.
IJBNet Introduces JOBAGUS
One of the programs introduced during this eight-year momentum is JOBAGUS, a system and platform developed to support the ecosystem of Indonesian workers heading to Japan. This program is aimed at building a more integrated monitoring and support system for Indonesian workers working in Japan.
IJBNet sees that the placement of Indonesian workers in Japan must evolve from merely a placement process into an ecosystem that connects education, training, the business world, government, workers, and the needs of Japanese industry. With this approach, Indonesian workers are expected not only to fill the labor needs but to become part of the broader economic and social relationship between Indonesia and Japan.
From Green Energy to Satellite Technology
The celebration of IJBNet's eight-year anniversary also shows the expanding sectors of cooperation that can be developed between Indonesia and Japan. Several Japanese partners introduced programs and collaboration opportunities in the fields of: Green Power, Renewable Energy, Environmental Technology, Space Technology, Business Development, Human Resources, Decarbonization, Digital Technology, and AI Technology.
The presence of these various sectors indicates that the business relationship between Indonesia and Japan has moved towards an increasingly complex cross-sector collaboration.
Mentering the Ninth Year, IJBNet Aiming for Greater Collaboration
After eight years of building a network, IJBNet is now entering a new phase.
The focus is no longer just on increasing the network, but on activating that network into concrete cooperation. The Secretary General of IJBNet, Dr. Salim Mustofa, emphasizes that as it enters the ninth year, the organization will continue to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders.
“We want the coming years to be a phase of implementation. If we have been building network, then now the network must produce collaboration. And collaboration must produce impact.” Salim added that IJBNet will continue to open space for the business world, government, academics, associations, and Japanese partners to build joint programs. “Indonesia and Japan have a very long relationship. Our task is to ensure that this relationship remains relevant to current needs and provides benefits for the next generation.”
ABOUT IJBNET
Indonesia-Japan Business Network (IJBNet) was officially launched in Jakarta on August 8, 2018, by the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia (now the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia), who also graciously became the Mentor of IJBNet, Mr. Airlangga Hartarto. It was attended by the Japanese Ambassador at that time, Mr. Masafumi Ishii, national figures including: Mr. Rachmat Gobel, Mr. Soebronto Laras, Mr. Sanny Iskandar, Mr. M. Syafii Antonio, and Mr. Haris Muandar N. Representatives from the central and regional governments, business associations, friends from Japan who love Indonesia, academics, and other invited guests were also present.
Initiated by Dr. Suyoto Rais, with the support of several practitioners in the field including: Solihin, Makmur Solahudin, Teguh Wahyudi, Sanny Iskandar, Haris Munandar, Ismail Rahim, Salim Mustofa, Wahyo Sindhu, Sonia Adriaty, Penta Kistriono, Fransisca Aditya Christie, Rahid Pambengkas and Gunther Gemparalam. Since its declaration until now, IJBNet has begun to carry out real activities that are beneficial for both countries, with the motto “Continue Sharing, Continue Serving”. The resonance began to spread throughout Indonesia and Japan.
With a vision to become a trusted organization to facilitate collaboration between Indonesia and Japan, and a mission to increase mutually beneficial collaborations between Indonesia and Japan to help improve the economies of both countries. IJBNet is ready to synergize with government agencies, academics, business actors, and related parties in both countries. To help realize its vision and mission, IJBNet established the Indonesia Japan Together Foundation (Yayasan IJB)
In its journey, IJBNet has received many supports from various parties and has conducted business collaboration activities between Indonesia and Japan, some of which have started to show results. Supported by the Indonesian diaspora in Japan, friends from Japan who love Indonesia, and also other Indonesians who want to participate in helping exports, developing Indonesian products for the Japanese market, adopting technology, and importing products that are not yet available in Indonesia, and developing human resources in both countries. Of course, it also helps collaboration between companies in both countries. With the spirit of collaboration and synergy, IJBNet is ready to work with various parties in both countries. As an open organization, IJBNet invites everyone to join IJBNet.
Eight Years United Together
Eight years of IJBNet's journey finally returns to a simple message:
Eight Years United Together.
From the declaration on August 8, 2018 at the Ministry of Industry, IJBNet has grown into a network that seeks to bring together the interests of Indonesia and Japan. And when a decade later it was commemorated again at the Ministry of Industry, the message to be conveyed is not just about the journey of the past. But about the future. The future of stronger Indonesia–Japan cooperation, the future of a more competitive industry, the future of more collaborative technology, the future of Indonesian human resources that are increasingly qualified and the future of business relations between the two countries that yield more real benefits.
Eight years have passed. The network is expanding. The collaboration must become more tangible. IJBNet A Decade — United, Continuing to Serve, Continuing to Share.
