Participation in the 6th Japan-Indonesia University Presidents’ Forum
From July 10 to 11, 2025, the 6th Japan-Indonesia University Presidents' Forum was held in Makassar, Indonesia. Professor Toshihiro Ihara, Dean of the Graduate School of Science and Technology, attended the forum as a representative of Kumamoto University.The forum, which had been paused due to the pandemic since its last session in Hiroshima in 2019, resumed under the leadership of Hasanuddin University. The theme of the forum was "Strengthening Cooperation in Facing Global Uncertainties," where active discussions took place on enhancing cooperation to address global challenges.
The event began with a traditional dance performance by Indonesian students, followed by greetings from key figures, including Professor Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, Rector of Hasanuddin University, Professor Dr. Ir. Eduart Wolok, Council of Rector of Indonesia State University, Kazuhiko Yano, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan, and Professor Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Indonesia. Ambassador Yasushi Masaki of Japan to Indonesia then delivered a keynote speech, followed by presentations on industry-academic collaboration and bilateral cooperation.
During the forum, there were lively exchanges among participants, and it was decided that the next forum will be hosted by Kobe University in two years.
On July 11, discussions were held in three separate sessions, focusing on university cooperation and the role of universities in global issues. A courtesy visit was also made to Professor Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, Rector of Hasanuddin University, where discussions took place on the university's plans to send young faculty members abroad, as well as their interest in Japan and Double Degree Programs (DDP).
Furthermore, Kumamoto University's partner universities such as Surabaya National University, Bandung Institute of Technology, Brawijaya University, and the promising Maran National University led to fruitful exchanges on student and researcher collaborations, and a growing interest in Indonesia's DDP program.
The forum was attended by 143 representatives from 50 institutions in Indonesia and 58 representatives from 32 institutions in Japan. The event was a great success, and the closing ceremony concluded with a promise to reconvene in two years in Kobe, Japan.
Opening Ceremony
Group photo at the breakout session
Courtesy visit to the Rector of Hasanuddin University
Discussion with Brawijaya University, an Inter-University Partner