THE ROLE OF JAPAN FOUNDATION IN PROMOTING CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING IN INDONESIA (2015-2017)

Abstract

This thesis will analyze the role of the Japan Foundation in promoting Japanese culture in Indonesia, especially activities in 2015-2017. After World War II Japan realized the importance of maintaining trust between countries and continued to maintain that relationship by introducing Japanese culture as Japan diplomacy. Therefore, in achieving its national objectives the Japanese government established Japan Foundation as an institution tasked with promoting Japanese culture and cultural exchange in various parts of the world, especially Indonesia. It is hoped that with the establishment of the Japan Foundation it can become a bridge in building and maintaining good relations between Japan and Indonesia. In order to maintain relations between countries, the Japan Foundation makes various programs containing Japanese culture that were introduced to Indonesia therefore the exchange of information is created, for further information about Japan, not only that, Japan Foundation also provides assistance in the form of scholarships study in Japan and assistance to Japanese study institutions. Therefore, the thesis will analyze the role of Japan Foundation in Indonesia from 2015 until 2017 in promoting Japanese culture by using the theory of Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy. Qualitative research methods were used using sources from books, journals, articles, and official publications from the Japanese government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan and Japan Foundation. The results of this study found out that Japan Foundation has a role to maintain the two countries' relationship and has contributed to promoting Japanese culture in Indonesia.