On December 20, 2025, the Indonesian Alumni of Tohoku University (IATU) convened its 4th Webinar, titled “The New Direction of Japan’s Social Policy: Implications for the International Community and Indonesia,” with the support of the Institute for Community Service (LPkM), Universitas Bakrie.

The webinar addressed one of the most pressing policy challenges facing Japan’s new government: the formulation of immigration and social policy frameworks that can respond effectively to Japan’s demographic realities while remaining sensitive to domestic social dynamics. These policy directions carry significant implications for the daily lives of foreign residents, including thousands of Indonesian workers and professionals currently living and working in Japan.

Against the backdrop of evolving public and political discourse on immigration and social inclusion in Japan, the discussion underscored the strategic role that grassroots organizations such as IATU can play as constructive intermediaries. Through informed dialogue and evidence-based perspectives, IATU contributes to fostering mutual understanding between communities, amplifying the voices of migrants, and supporting the development of inclusive, people-centered public policies.

This webinar also reflects IATU’s broader commitment to contributing its collective expertise to the Indonesian community. By drawing on the academic and professional experiences of its members, IATU seeks to serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing and public engagement on critical international and social policy issues that affect Indonesia and its global diaspora.

Notably, all speakers and the moderator of this webinar are alumni of Tohoku University, highlighting the strong intellectual network within IATU and its ongoing efforts to translate academic insight into meaningful public discourse.

Speakers

・Prof. Dr. Bambang Wibawarta, S.S., M.A.

Professor, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia

・Andi Holik Ramdani, Ph.D.

Researcher, Hashimoto Foundation

Moderator

・Muhammad Rifqi, Ph.D.

Research Group Specialist, Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS)

Opening Remarks

・Prof. Ardiansyah, Ph.D.

Chair of IATU and Chair of the Institute for Community Service, Universitas Bakrie