JAKARTA – The Sakuranesia Foundation has facilitated new vocational education partnerships between Indonesia and Japan to enhance human resource development through industry-based training and student exchanges.

Founder Tovic said the cooperation was highlighted by a recent visit to Japan by Prof Agus Maryono, dean of the Vocational School at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), as reported by Antara.

“Sakuranesia will continue promoting human resource development that creates value for society through Indonesia-Japan cooperation,” Tovic said in a statement issued in Jakarta.

Acting as a bridge between institutions in both countries, Sakuranesia organised a forum in Japan for dialogue and the signing of education partnership agreements.

During the visit, Maryono reviewed early childhood STEAM education practices at Azalee Group in Edogawa and met Kazuhiko Hiruma, chairman of Sanko Gakuen, and other stakeholders.

The meeting, which was attended by Tovic, resulted in an agreement to launch a pilot project in vocational education.

A separate partnership ceremony was later held at the Fukuoka campus of Japan University of Economics, part of the Tsuzuki Gakuen Group.

Tovic said engagements with leading private education groups in Japan are expected to lay the foundation for long-term cooperation benefiting both countries.

UGM’s Vocational School is known for its practice-based and internationally oriented curriculum.

In their fourth year, students are required to undertake internships or overseas study programmes.

About 30 per cent of its students gain international exposure each year through such schemes.

Under the new partnership, Indonesian students are expected to gain broader industry experience in Japan, strengthen cross-cultural competencies and sharpen practical skills.

“This partnership goes beyond academic exchange and aims to help young generations in both countries understand each other, learn together and sustainably contribute to society,” Tovic said.