UNDIP, Semarang (June 18, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) welcomed representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Widya Puraya Building, Tembalang Campus. The visit aimed to explore collaboration opportunities in the recruitment of Indonesian workers for Japan’s construction sector, continuing the longstanding bilateral ties between the two nations across various fields.
UNDIP’s delegation included Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si.; Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, Collaboration, and Public Communication, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D.; Vice-Rector for Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal Affairs, and Organization, Prof. Dr. Adian Fatchur Rochim, S.T., M.T.; and Director of Reputation, Partnership, and Global Connectivity, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hadiyanto, S.T., M.Sc., IPU.
The Japanese delegation was led by Takashi Minakawa, Senior Director of the International Markets Division for Real Estate and Construction at MLIT. Other members included Hiroyuki Yamamoto (Executive Director), Yasuto Moroshima (General Manager), and Jarot Septian Prakoso (Project Leader) from the Japan Association for Construction Human Resources; Takayuki Nakatsukasa (Principal) and Masaya Mizukami from Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC; and Satoshi Miyajima, President Director of ID Consulting Co., Ltd.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Suharnomo expressed strong interest in potential future collaborations. In line with the university’s tagline, “Noble and Valuable UNDIP,” he affirmed that UNDIP is open to partnerships that can create job opportunities for students—an important step in producing globally competitive graduates.
Takashi Minakawa noted that Japan’s construction sector is highly advanced and already benefits from the contributions of Indonesian workers. “Indonesian human resources are well regarded in Japan and many are already part of official associations,” he said.
A discussion session followed, moderated by Vice Rector IV, Wijayanto, Ph.D. He highlighted that Japan’s government programs are highly beneficial and appealing to Indonesian labor.
Japan’s construction industry is currently facing a significant labor shortage due to an aging population. This presents a major challenge for the sector, driving the need to recruit foreign workers. In contrast, Indonesia is experiencing a demographic bonus, prompting MLIT to strengthen cooperation and source skilled workers from Indonesia. The productive age range targeted for construction workers is 30–55 years.
Minakawa also explained that salaries in the construction sector tend to be higher than in other industries in Japan. “Recruitment of foreign workers in this sector follows specific standards tailored to construction’s characteristics. These include mandatory monthly salary systems, compulsory registration in the construction career development system, and fixed recruitment quotas,” he said.
Worker protection is overseen by the Japan Association for Construction Human Resources (JAC), an official body under MLIT responsible for promoting the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW or Tokutei Ginou) system within Japan’s construction industry.
Both UNDIP and Japanese representatives expressed hope that the visit would lead to more detailed cooperation—particularly in the construction sector—while helping Indonesia’s demographic surplus transition into meaningful employment and better living standards. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Titis)
