BINUS UNIVERSITY Hosts Japanese Government Delegation

18 April 2016

As a university committed to forging ties with international partners, BINUS UNIVERSITY on 18th April 2016 hosted a visitation from Mr Yoshinobu Nisaka, the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, as part of the Wakayama Prefectural Government’s diplomatic visit to Indonesia. The governor gave a speech regarding the importance of educating the youth on the topic of natural disaster management, since Indonesia like Japan, is prone to natural disasters. The lecture was themed ‘Disaster Management’ and highlights the continued cooperation between the two countries and the exchange of technology and knowledge in this field.

The Governor’s delegation comprised of government and industry representatives from Wakayama, whose visit also marked the five-year anniversary of the Japanese tsunami disaster. The governor expressed his gratitude for Indonesia’s assistance during the tragedy as well as specifically commended BINUS UNIVERSITY’s assistance through activities such as fundraising. Also in attendance was BINA NUSANTARA GROUP’s CEO, Mr Bernard Gunawan, who highlighted how the lecture provided the opportunity for students to gain comprehensive and current knowledge on Japan, especially for those taking Japanese Literature as a study programme. The high profile visit also showcased the university’s continued commitment to internationalisation and encouraging discourse in tackling natural disasters.

Similarities in natural geographical features between Indonesia and Japan have spurred improving relations between the two. Educating Indonesia’s youth on natural disaster management is essential to encouraging innovation and cooperation to tackle this issue. Through this visit, BINUS UNIVERSITY demonstrates its growing prominence as a leading institution of higher education, and hopes that it will build upon this visitation in forming close links with the Wakayama Government.