For their contributions and services in establishing the relationship between Indonesia and Japan, two professors of the University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Bambang Wibawarta, M.A and Prof. Hikmahanto Juwana, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D., received the Japan Foreign Minister Award 2022 (Reiwa 4) on Thursday (04/08) as published in a release on the website https://www.id.embjapan. go.jp/news22_41.html. “Of course (I am) happy, this award is not only for myself but also for the University of Indonesia, the place where I work and serve. This award is an appreciation of the contribution in improving Indonesia-Japan relations. Next year, the relationship between Indonesia and Japan will be 65 years old,” said Prof. Bambang. He is considered to have contributed to improving Japanese research in Indonesia. This professor from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FIB UI) and one of the leading researchers in the field of Japanese culture in Indonesia, has served as Dean of FIB UI (2008-2014), Chair of the Center for Japanese Studies (PSJ) UI in 2006-2008, Acting Chancellor concurrently Vice Chancellor (2014), and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (2014-2019). During his tenure as Chairman of PSJ UI, he was considered successful in strengthening the function of the library through the addition of book collections and the application of an online book collection search system, as well as audiovisual devices. Previously, Prof. Bambang has received various other awards, namely the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (2004-2006), Sumitomo Foundation, Research Projects award (2007-2008), Sumitomo Foundation, Research Projects award (2007-2008), The Toshiba Foundation (2006 ) and other awards.
Prof. Hikmahanto, who is a lecturer at the Universitas Indonesia (UI), Faculty of Law, also received the 2022 Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Award for helping the Japanese Embassy in foreign policy studies on regional issues. “I really appreciate this award from the Japanese Foreign Minister, because actually I am voicing Indonesia’s interests, namely that the Indo-Pacific must be protected in relation to international shipping. I hope that we in the Indo-Pacific will be safer. In addition, as an alumni of UI, I am also an alumni of Keio University, Japan, this award is an extraordinary award, “said Prof. Wisdom. Besides teaching at UI, Prof. Hikmahanto is also a figure in Indonesian international law who played an important role in promoting the Indonesian people through maritime workshops on the idea of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Currently, he is the Chancellor of General Ahmad Yani University, Cimahi, West Java. In a press release from the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia, this award aims to convey the Japanese Government’s appreciation for the services of individuals and organizations that have made special contributions to improving friendly relations between countries. In addition, it is also intended to invite the people of Japan and Indonesia to better understand and support their various activities.
