NIPPON MARU CORNER: MEETING WITH THE INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR TO SINGAPORE
In 1989, the Indonesian participants of the Nippon Maru Program (Indonesia Participant Youth/IPY) were granted a rare and meaningful opportunity to engage in dialogue with HE. Tuk Setyohadi, who was then serving as the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Singapore. The meeting unfolded in an atmosphere both formal and warmly personal, creating a space where youthful curiosity met the voice of national diplomacy. For the IPY, this encounter carried special significance, as it brought the presence of Indonesia’s diplomatic vision directly into the midst of their international journey.
During the discussion, HE. Tuk Setyohadi shared his perspectives on Indonesia’s role within ASEAN and the importance of Indonesia–Singapore relations in the regional context. He emphasized that young people hold a strategic responsibility as bridges between nations—not only through official state channels, but also through cultural encounters and the friendships they cultivate. The IPY listened attentively, coming to realize that their experience aboard the Nippon Maru formed part of a broader tapestry of people-to-people diplomacy.
The IPY participants took an active role in the conversation, posing questions and offering reflections of their own. They spoke of their homestay experiences in Indonesia, their interactions with fellow participants from other countries, and the challenges of navigating cultural differences. The dialogue unfolded as a genuine exchange, marked by openness and mutual respect. In response, HE. Tuk Setyohadi offered thoughtful guidance, encouraging the IPY to remain grounded in their Indonesian identity while embracing openness and respect for diversity.
The meeting left a lasting impression on the IPY of Nippon Maru 1989. Their exchange with the Ambassador not only broadened their understanding of diplomacy and international relations, but also strengthened their confidence as representatives of Indonesia’s younger generation. In the journey that followed, the insights and counsel shared by HE. Tuk Setyohadi became a quiet source of reflection—accompanying the IPY as they continued their voyage as ambassadors of friendship, carrying Indonesia’s spirit within the wider ASEAN–Japan community.
Pic. Shown HE Tuk Setyohadi with IPY 1989
