Bali and Japan Strengthen Cooperation in Tourism and Education
Denpasar, July 24, 2025 — In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, Bali Governor Wayan Koster welcomed Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina to Denpasar on Thursday. The meeting focused on exploring enhanced collaboration between Bali and Japan, particularly in the fields of tourism and education.
Governor Koster underscored the longstanding partnership between the two regions, noting the mutual cultural respect that forms the foundation of their relationship. "We hold high regard for Japanese tourists who respect local cultures and rules," he said. He emphasized that the steady flow of Japanese visitors to Bali aligns with the growing number of Balinese youth pursuing educational and professional opportunities in Japan, including apprenticeship programs.
Highlighting the cultural affinity shared by the people of Bali and Japan, the governor expressed optimism that this synergy would continue to support strong and sustainable cooperation.
Beyond tourism and education, Governor Koster expressed enthusiasm to broaden bilateral efforts into other strategic sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, and infrastructure development. He pointed out that many agricultural experts from Bali are graduates of Japanese universities, reflecting Japan’s expertise and influence in this sector. "We are ready to tap into the cooperation potential with the Japanese Consulate General here," he added.
Vice-Minister Akiko Ikuina expressed her pleasure in engaging directly with the Bali government to discuss future cooperation prospects. She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Indonesia, highlighting areas including tourism, culture, environmental sustainability, economic partnerships, and human resources development.
The Japanese official praised Bali’s appeal as a cultural and tourism destination that attracts not only visitors but also Japanese residents, noting that this reflects the Bali government’s success in creating a safe and welcoming environment.
Furthermore, Ikuina pointed out that the Indonesian population residing in Japan had tripled over the past five years, reaching approximately 200,000 individuals, including 6,778 students. She voiced strong support for increasing joint initiatives focusing on human resource development, particularly within the agricultural sector, aligning with Governor Koster’s vision.
This diplomatic engagement signals a promising future for Bali and Japan’s cooperation, building on decades of shared cultural values and mutual interests to foster sustainable development and people-to-people connectivity across diverse sectors.
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