RRI.CO.ID, Sapporo – The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo is seeking to strengthen Indonesia–Japan relations at the prefectural level through the proposed establishment of an Indonesian Corner in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

The initiative was introduced by Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir, during her working visit to Sapporo on June 26–27, 2026. She met with Indonesia’s Honorary Consul in Sapporo, Shigeru Nakayama, to discuss stronger support for Indonesian citizens and the promotion of Indonesia’s economy and culture in Hokkaido.

According to an official statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, July 2, Ambassador Kartini, expressed appreciation for the Honorary Consul’s contribution in assisting Indonesian citizens and promoting Indonesia in the region.

She proposed that the Indonesian Corner be set up at the Honorary Consul’s office. The space is expected to provide information about Indonesia through books, promotional materials, and traditional handicrafts, while also serving as a meeting point for Japanese residents, Indonesians, students, and potential partners.

The Honorary Consul welcomed the proposal. For the Indonesian Embassy, the Indonesian Corner is expected to become a public diplomacy platform that supports wider cooperation in education, tourism, culture, and the economy.

During the visit, Ambassador Kartini also met Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto to discuss potential cooperation in education, employment, and tourism. She said the increasing flow of Indonesian tourists to Hokkaido and Japanese tourists to Indonesia showed strong potential for closer ties.

“People-to-people contact is as important as government-to-government relations in strengthening ties between the two countries,” Ambassador Kartini said.

Mayor Akimoto also invited the ambassador to attend the Sapporo Snow & Ice Festival on February 5–7, 2027, where Indonesia is expected to take part.

Ambassador Kartini also visited Maruyama Zoo to see three Indonesian orangutans—Rembo, Teijiro, and Reito. The visit highlighted opportunities for cooperation in conservation, public education, and the promotion of Indonesia through its endemic wildlife.

She also met with the Indonesian community in Sapporo and encouraged Indonesians in Hokkaido to register through the Peduli WNI portal. The number of Indonesians in Hokkaido rose from around 8,711 in 2024 to 12,841 in December 2025.

The working visit also included immigration, consular, and education services for Indonesians in Hokkaido. Around 230 Indonesian citizens used passport services, while consultations covered marriage procedures and higher education opportunities in Japan.

Through the Indonesian Corner and stronger cross-sector cooperation, the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo hopes to build closer and more sustainable ties between Indonesia and Hokkaido.