RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Japan are strengthening people-to-people relations through a cultural and interfaith exchange initiative that promotes mutual understanding, preserves cultural heritage, and opens new opportunities for long-term collaboration in education, environmental protection, and community development.

Indonesian Sakuranesia Foundation has intensified cultural and interfaith exchanges with Japan through its Weaving Harmony initiative, a series of activities that included visits to Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, and local cultural communities.

Sakuranesia Foundation founder Tovic Rustam said the initiative was inspired by the belief that differences in culture, religion, and traditions should not be viewed as barriers, but as strengths for building a shared future.

“Like a woven fabric, every thread has its own color and character. When woven together with mutual respect, trust, and a shared humanitarian purpose, those differences become a source of strength. We hope this spirit will continue to strengthen the friendship between the people of Indonesia and Japan and inspire human relations around the world,” Tovic said on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Sakuranesia Foundation Chairman Sakura Ijuin described culture as a universal language capable of connecting people from diverse backgrounds. “Differences are not a reason to grow apart. Instead, they are an opportunity to know, understand, and build brotherhood with one another. This is the spirit we hope will continue to grow through Indonesia-Japan relations,” Ijuin said.

The cultural exchange also involved a delegation from Japan’s Mii-dera Temple, led by its 164th chief priest, Toshihiko Fuke, from Shiga Prefecture. During their visit to Indonesia, the delegation toured Luhur Al-Tsaqafah Islamic Boarding School in South Jakarta, Istiqlal Mosque, and attended the traditional Sedekah Bumi and Jolenan ceremonies in Kemetul Village, Semarang Regency, Central Java.

Fuke expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in dialogue and learn more about Indonesian society. “Although Buddhism has many schools, we all share one value-peace. I wish for peace for myself, for all of you, and for every nation,” he said.

After witnessing the Jolenan tradition in Kemetul Village, Fuke praised the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“We are very happy to be here. Japan has similar traditions, although they take different forms,” he added.

Beyond strengthening friendship and humanitarian ties between Indonesia and Japan, the visit also emphasized interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, spirituality, and respect for nature.

At Luhur Al-Tsaqafah Islamic Boarding School, its leader and Chairman of the Friendship Organization of Islamic Organizations (LPOI), Said Aqil Siroj, said the institution promotes an understanding of Islam rooted in tolerance and humanity.

“Look at Japan. Despite its technological progress, it remains deeply committed to preserving its culture. Its clothing, songs, and dances remain authentically Japanese. Indonesians should not lose their identity simply to appear modern,” Said said.

The program concluded with a courtesy visit to GBPH Prabukusumo, younger brother of Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and son of the late Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX, in Yogyakarta, before the delegation continued to Borobudur Temple, a symbol of shared civilizational heritage that reinforces cultural ties between Indonesia and Japan.

The Sakuranesia Foundation hopes the initiative will serve as the starting point for broader cooperation between the two countries in education, culture, interfaith dialogue, environmental conservation, and community development, strengthening a lasting friendship between their people. ***