IPB University and Chuo Joho Institute of Information Technology Sign MoU of Cooperation

Recently, IPB University and Chuo Joho Institute of Information Technology (CJI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Reporting from the kemdikbud.go.id page, this cooperation is a form of commitment to the development of vocational education in Indonesia.

The MoU signing ceremony was held in the office of the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia, Heri Akhmadi. The event was attended by the Attaché for Education and Culture (Atdikbud) of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Yusli Wardiatno, Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, President of CJI, Hiroshi Okamoto and Indonesian Diaspora who is a lecturer at CJI, Dewi Ariantini Yudhasari.

The MoU covers the joint implementation of an innovative vocational education programme, referred to as the “3+2” programme, designed to ensure graduates can directly enter the Japanese job market.

Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria said that the cooperation between IPB University and CIJ is very strategic for both parties. This MoU is also an effort of IPB University in strengthening the commitment to build an ecosystem of education, research and community service programmes. This, he said, would undoubtedly be able to increase resilience, change ways of thinking, design the future and achieve sustainability.

“We believe this collaboration will contribute to the sustainability of the environment and society through information technology and agricultural development so that it has an impact on the global community,” he explained.

The co-operation agreement is the result of discussions that have been ongoing since August 2023. CJI started this initiative through the facilitation of the Atdikbud Office of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Vocational School of IPB University. The programme also supports the J-Mirai Project, a Japanese government initiative aimed at opening up opportunities for foreigners to study and work in Japan.

In 2024, the programme will enter the implementation phase by accepting six IPB University Vocational School students, who will be directed to work in sectors such as hospitality and human resources (HR). The IPB University Vocational School students will come from the Ecotourism, Agriculture and Accounting Study Programmes.

The programme implementation plan includes Japanese language learning, departure document processing, language proficiency test preparation, education financing and dormitory preparation in Japan. The programme also includes regular consultation and coaching, as well as placement in CIJ partner companies after completing the one-year Business Design programme.

Yusli Wardiatno, Attaché for Education and Culture at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, said the signing of the MoU marks a new chapter in vocational education collaboration between Indonesia and Japan, paving the way for the development of quality human resources and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

“This MoU in vocational education is expected to create competent and work-ready graduates, while supporting Indonesia’s economic development, and supporting the Ministry of Education and Culture which continues to focus on improving the quality of vocational education teachers and facilities, as well as developing internship programmes and cooperation with companies to provide practical experience to students,” Yusli said.

Ambassador Heri Akhmadi also appreciated the two research institutions for signing this cooperation and encouraged immediate implementation because one of the advantages of the programme is that it supports sustainable development goals (SDGs).

“This vocational education cooperation can produce the best quality of human resources needed by Indonesia and Japan. However, the quantity must also be targeted so that the labour needs of both countries are met,” said Heri.

The same thing was also conveyed by the President of CJI, Hiroshi Okamoto. He mentioned that the signing of this MoU was an honour. According to him, CIJ was established with the vision of ‘Creating the Future’, and has educated more than 1,000 students in the fields of information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), business and Japanese language, with an alumni absorption rate in various industries reaching over 95 per cent.

This collaboration will allow CJI to provide Japanese language and vocational education to Indonesians from IPB University and will help their global aspirations. “We hope that this MoU will strengthen educational cooperation and friendship between Japan and Indonesia,” said Okamoto. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)