In a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, Sakuranesia Foundation founder Tovic Rustam said the initiative was inspired by the belief that differences in culture, religion, and tradition should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.
“Like a woven fabric, every thread has its own color and character. When woven together through mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to humanity, 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.
Sakuranesia Foundation Chairman Sakura Ijuin said culture serves as a universal language that connects people from diverse backgrounds.
“Differences should not drive us apart. Instead, they should become an opportunity to know one another, deepen mutual understanding, and build fraternity. This is the spirit we hope will continue to grow through Indonesia-Japan relations,” Ijuin said.
The cultural exchange program was joined by a delegation from Japan’s Mii-dera Temple, led by its 164th chief priest, Toshihiko Fuke, of Onjo-ji Temple in Shiga Prefecture.
The July 15–18, 2026, visit followed up on the Peace Dialogue held on April 20, 2026, with the aim of strengthening friendship, people-to-people ties, and humanitarian relations between Indonesia and Japan through interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, spirituality, and respect for nature.
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, they all share one common principle—peace. I pray for peace for myself, for all of you, and for every nation,” he said.
After witnessing the Jolenan tradition in Kemetul Village, Fuke said he was impressed by the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
“We are delighted to be here. We have similar traditions in Japan, although they take slightly different forms,” he said.
Beyond strengthening friendship and people-to-people 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 caretaker and Chairman of the Institute for Friendship Among Islamic Organizations (LPOI), Said Aqil Siroj, said the institution promotes Islamic values rooted in tolerance and humanity.
“Look at Japan. Despite its technological advancement, it has remained deeply committed to preserving its culture. Its traditional clothing, songs, and dances remain authentically Japanese. Indonesians should not lose their identity simply in the pursuit of modernity,” Said said.
The visit concluded with a courtesy call on GBPH Prabukusumo, younger brother of Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and son of the late Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX, before the delegation continued to Borobudur Temple, a symbol of shared civilizational heritage and cultural ties between Indonesia and Japan.
The Sakuranesia Foundation expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of broader cooperation between the two countries in education, culture, interfaith dialogue, environmental conservation, and community development, reinforcing a lasting friendship between their peoples.
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Translator: Lintang, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
