Himmatul Aliyah Attends Indonesia-Japan Festival, Talks About Mutual Cooperation

Tokyo – This year’s Indonesia-Japan Friendship Festival was alive with a strong cultural nuance and spirit of mutual cooperation. Thousands of visitors filled the event area to enjoy artistic performances, culinary delights and cultural activities that strengthened relations between the people of the two countries. The activity titled Indonesia-Japan Friendship Festival 2025 was held on Sunday (19/10/2025) at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. The event was opened by Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Maria Renata Hutagalung, followed by remarks from member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Himmatul Aliyah, who was also present with the chairman of the Indonesian People’s Legislative Assembly Ahmad Muzani and a number of Indonesian community figures in Japan. Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENT The Minangkabau family association has broken the MURI record for the most rendang cooking category abroad. Photo: Ahmad Toriq/detikcom In his speech, Himmatul Aliyah – DPR member of the constituency of DKI Jakarta II which covers Central Jakarta, South Jakarta and overseas – emphasized the importance of the spirit of mutual cooperation in strengthening relations between the people of Indonesia and Japan. He considered this festival not only a cultural event but also a form of diplomacy that strengthens friendship between the two nations. “I really appreciate the spirit of mutual cooperation and togetherness of the Indonesian people in Japan. Through cultural activities like this, we show the friendly and creative face of Indonesia, while strengthening friendship between nations,” said Himmatul. After giving his speech, Himmatul also participated in Marandang Dunia activities, where festival participants cooked rendang en masse using giant cauldrons. This activity is a symbol of cooperation between the Indonesian people in Japan to introduce Indonesian culinary delights to the Japanese public. Himmatul added that cultural diplomacy that grew out of citizen initiatives was an important force for Indonesia’s positive image in the world. “Activities like this prove that culture is a strong bridge of friendship. From art, culinary delights, to community interaction, everything shows the value of unity that characterizes our nation,” he said. The Minangkabau Family Association broke the MURI record for the most rendang cooking category abroad. Photo: Ahmad Toriq/detikcom Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo Maria Renata Hutagalung expressed her appreciation for the active participation of the Indonesian people in the festival. He saw the involvement of various communities in Japan as a true example of how cultural diplomacy can work from the community level. “The participation of the Indonesian people in Japan is extraordinary. Initiatives like this strengthen relations between communities and strengthen friendship between the two countries,” said Maria Renata. The festival, which lasted for two days, featured various activities, ranging from traditional clothing fashion shows, regional art performances, to a giant rendang cook-off that broke the MURI record. The warm atmosphere and togetherness is a strong sign of the friendship between Indonesia and Japan that continues to grow from generation to generation. (tor/amw)