Sakuranesia Foundation Chairman Tovic Rustam, accompanied by other foundation leaders, expressed appreciation in Jakarta on Sunday for the support of Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) and other organizing partners.
“Over the course of this event, more than 200 people have connected through the Japan–Indonesia friendship bridge,” he said.
He emphasized that this civilizational dialogue presents a key opportunity for Indonesia - not only by showcasing national experts on an international stage but also by strengthening strategic cooperation with Japan.
Tovic also called for the event to become an annual initiative, highlighting its role in promoting global peace through Indonesia–Japan friendship.
He noted that the concept of future civilization should not be measured solely by material progress, but should be grounded in a balance between innovation, sustainability, and harmony between humans and nature.
The Indonesia–Japan dialogue, titled "SDG’s Beyond – Future Society for Life", was held on Thursday (Oct. 2) and featured several leading figures. Among them was Hiroyuki Matsumoto, CEO of Toyo System Kaihatsu Co., Ltd., who reaffirmed his company’s commitment to socially driven technology solutions.
Asuka Tsuzuki from the Tsuzuki Education Group underlined the critical role of education as a global bridge for the next generation.
During the first discussion session, panelists explored the concept of “creating and living together” through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bilateral cooperation.
Chief Abbot of Mii-dera Temple in Shiga Prefecture, Syungen Fuke, highlighted the importance of honoring ancient traditions while pursuing new innovations as the foundation for mutual understanding.
Professor Dr. Ken Ito, a guest lecturer at the Osaka University Museum, shared his research on art and pharmacognosy, including his interfaith dialogue experiences in Indonesia.
Professor Dr. Bambang Rudyanto, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Wako University, stressed that the future society and sustainability must be considered from both local and global perspectives.
In the second session, international figures such as Carl Page, President of the Anthropocene Institute, discussed the importance of energy transition.
Shohei Maekawa, CEO of SDG Impact Japan, advocated for ESG investment transformation, while former Japanese Vice Minister of the Environment, Tokutaro Nakai, underscored the need for a resource-circulating society grounded in local systems.
Towards the close of the event, the Sakuranesia Foundation signed two strategic partnerships - one with The Millennium Sustainability Foundation focusing on education and cultural collaboration, and another with the Anthropocene Institute for cooperation in innovative energy technology.
As a symbolic gesture, Tovic presented traditional Indonesian peci hats to representatives from both partner organizations.
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Translator: Andi, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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