Three Indonesian Drivers Make History in Aichi’s Public Transportation Sector

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo - Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan, Maria Renata Hutagalung, officially sent off three Indonesian bus drivers who will begin working for Meitetsu Bus in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The three drivers are Azzam Al Antar, Dwi Harjanto, and Seto Ramadhan Siswadi. For them, this departure is not merely a work assignment, but also a new chapter in their lives as Indonesian professionals overseas.

Azzam, Dwi, and Seto are now part of a new milestone in Japan’s public transportation history. They are recorded as the first foreign-national bus drivers to operate in the public transportation sector of Aichi Prefecture.

Behind this achievement lies a long process they had to go through. Becoming a bus driver in Japan requires strong discipline, adaptability, and a great sense of responsibility for passenger safety. The three drivers are not only bringing their driving skills, but also carrying Indonesia’s good name among Japanese society.

In her remarks, Deputy Ambassador Maria Renata Hutagalung, expressed her appreciation and delivered a special message to the three Indonesian drivers. She reminded them that their role is not only professional in nature, but also carries the value of diplomacy between nations.

“I would like to congratulate the Indonesian drivers. Work with enthusiasm, caution, and a great sense of responsibility. You are not only working professionally, but also serving as ambassadors of the nation, bringing Indonesia’s values, work ethic, and positive character,” Maria Renata said, as quoted by an official statement on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

On the occasion, Maria Renata also expressed appreciation to the management of Meitetsu Bus for its high standards in recruitment, training, and worker protection. She also commended the opportunity given to Indonesian drivers to contribute to Japan’s public transportation sector.

The presence of Azzam, Dwi, and Seto at Meitetsu Bus reflects the growing employment opportunities for foreign nationals in Japan, particularly in the transportation sector. The increasing demand for drivers has encouraged Japanese companies to open wider opportunities for foreign professionals, including those from Indonesia.

Cooperation between Indonesia and Japan in the field of professional drivers has been ongoing since 2025. This cooperation covers not only public transportation, such as buses, but also the logistics sector, particularly truck drivers.

The founder and director of LPK Japan Indonesia Driving School, or JIDS, Bowo Kristianto, explained that as of 2026, there are 16 Indonesian bus drivers working for several companies in Japan. They are assigned to Tokyu Bus, with six drivers; Osaka Bus, three drivers; Meitetsu Bus, three drivers; Hiroshima Bus, two drivers; and Fujikyu Bus, two drivers.

Meanwhile, in the logistics trucking sector, 14 Indonesian drivers have been working for several companies since 2025. They consist of nine drivers at Kabushiki Toso, three at Kabushiki Fujisawa, and two at Daisho Logistic.