UNDIP, Semarang (November 14, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) received an official visit from the Gifu Prefectural Government, Japan, on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Art Center Building of the Faculty of Humanities. This visit marked an important step in strengthening international cooperation and expanding internship opportunities for UNDIP students, particularly those from the Faculty of Humanities and the Vocational School.
The Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., officially opened the event. The Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Dra. Siti Maziyah, M.Hum., program heads, lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities and the Vocational School, and students from both faculties attended the event.
The Vice Rector IV stated, “UNDIP is committed to strengthening synergy with international partners, including the Gifu Prefectural Government, to provide internship, training, and self-development opportunities that align with global industry needs. We hope that this program can run sustainably and deliver real benefits for students, the institution, and the community.”
Meanwhile, the representatives from the Gifu Prefectural Government expressed their appreciation to UNDIP for the ongoing partnership, especially regarding existing internship programs. They also explained that Japan is currently facing a declining birth rate, creating a need for young, active, and highly motivated workers.
The meeting focused on exploring collaboration and developing internship programs in Japan. UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities presented the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program (BKJ). At the same time, the Vocational School’s Department of Information and Culture introduced two relevant study programs: Applied Foreign Languages and Information and Public Relations, both considered suitable for industry needs in Gifu Prefecture.
The event began with presentations from both parties. UNDIP delivered an institutional profile and potential collaborations through the Faculty of Humanities and the Vocational School, followed by a presentation from the Gifu Prefectural Government on job and internship opportunities in Japan. This session was held prior to the main student outreach activity, guided by Sriwahyu Istana Trahutami, S.S., M.Hum. from the Faculty of Humanities.
Indonesian students, including those from UNDIP, are considered to possess traits suited to these programs. Therefore, opportunities for UNDIP students to intern or work in Gifu are highly open. During the event, attending students had the chance to interact directly with key representatives from the Gifu Prefectural Government and industry partners, including:
- Tsuchida Takashi – Head of the Industrial and Labor Department & Industrial HR Development Division
- Hirano Osamu – Supervisor/Section Head, Industrial and Labor Department, Human Resources Division
- Susukida Tomokazu – Director, Project 44
- Hirotsugu Yoshioka – Marketing Advisor, JIPA Group
- Etsuko Fukuoka – President Director, PT JIPA
- Rosliana Danuri – Internship Department Supervisor, PT JIPA
This activity is expected to serve as a starting point for strengthening collaboration between UNDIP and Gifu Prefecture and to open broader internship and international career opportunities for UNDIP students in the future. (Public Communication/FIB/Fajrul, ed. Nurul)