STRATEGI JAPAN FOUNDATION DALAM MEMPERKUAT DIPLOMASI BUDAYA JEPANG DI INDONESIA MELALUI PROGRAM NIHONGO PARTNERS TAHUN 2022-2024

This research examines the strategy of the Japan Foundation in strengthening
Japan’s cultural diplomacy in Indonesia through the implementation of the Nihongo
Partners Program during the 2022–2024 period. Cultural diplomacy is recognized
as an effective soft power instrument for fostering mutual understanding and trust
across nations by means of direct and personal cultural exchanges. The Nihongo
Partners Program was selected as the focus because it is specifically designed to
dispatch Japanese nationals as partners to assist local Japanese language teachers in
secondary schools across Asia, including Indonesia. Their roles extend beyond
language teaching to introducing Japanese culture through various activities such
as origami, shodō, yukata, and traditional dances.
The study employs a qualitative approach using library research, drawing on official
reports from the Japan Foundation, cooperation documents, academic publications,
and online news articles. Analysis focuses on the program’s dynamics in the post-
COVID-19 context, including adaptation to hybrid learning models and expansion
to Islamic senior high schools (madrasah) through collaboration with the
Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Findings reveal that the Nihongo Partners Program significantly contributes to
increasing Indonesian students’ motivation and interest in learning Japanese, while
also enhancing their appreciation of Japanese culture. Moreover, the program has
played a vital role in shaping Japan’s image as a peaceful, friendly, and trustworthy
nation, and serves as a strategic instrument of nation branding. Challenges identified
include maintaining the consistency of volunteer quality, adapting to local
educational contexts, and ensuring the sustainability of face-to-face exchanges
amidst global uncertainties. Nevertheless, the Japan Foundation’s strategy has
proven effective in reinforcing Indonesia–Japan bilateral relations through
sustainable soft power, while also contributing to Japan’s broader position in
Southeast Asia by cultivating younger generations with strong cultural affinity
toward Japan.