Events
Breakthrough SAAI Event in Yogyakarta Pointed to New Chances for Collaboration
In response to the long-standing wish of members and coordinators in Indonesia, the 2025 alumni event in Indonesia was held in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta. 90 members, friends and guests, gathered at the Swiss Bel-boutique Yogyakarta on December 13, 2025. This event helped to re-bond alumni who could not attend previous events in Jakarta. During the energetic group photo session, the whole venue echoed with the traditional call-out “Sakura Science, We are One!”
President of Sakura Science Alumni Association in Indonesia (SAAI), Mr. Abdul Baits Dehana Padma Swastika who led SAAI since December 2022, opened the event by saying that the gathering is a symbolic moment as he prepares to pass on the current presidential role. He recounted all the accomplishments of his team and voiced that “We are not only alumni—we are ambassadors of cooperation, cultural bridges, and agents of change.”
SAAI President
As the event co-host, Dr. SHOJI Mariko, Director, Sakura Science Program Headquarters, JST welcomed everyone. Representing the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, Mr. MYOCHIN Mitsuru, Charge d’Affaires ad interim, sent a heartfelt video message. His message was received with a warm round of applause.
Director, Sakura Science Program Headquarters, JST
Charge d’Affaires ad interim
Embassy of Japan in Indonesia
In the information session by JST, moderated by Mr. Baits, two experts from JST briefed about the two types of NEXUS programs for ASEAN countries. Ms. YOSHIOKA Sasha Sachiko (Nexus Program Office) introduced the NEXUS joint-research framework, to be implemented jointly with BRIN (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional).
Senior Program Coordinator, NEXUS Program Office, JST
Dr. ISHIGURO Suguru (SSP Headquarters, JST) introduced NEXUS Y-tec. Through its Young Talents Exchange Course and Leadership Exchange Course, Y-tec specifically promotes talent circulation as an “advanced program built on SSP.” Y-tec is a longer program allowing mutual visits.
Senior Expert, Sakura Science Program Headquarters, JST
Subsequently, Ms. Pravindha from JASSO Indonesia delivered her “Study in Japan” presentation in Bahasa. In November, JASSO Indonesia had Study in Japan Fairs in Jakarta and Surabaya. Those who could not attend the Fair were able to pick up practical details. Furthermore, Dr. Shan Gu (SSP Headquarters, JST) introduced the newly launched Nitori scholarship slots for Sakura Science alumni.
JASSO Indonesia Office
Manager, Sakura Science Program Headquarters, JST
In the sharing session moderated by coordinator Ms. Dewi, Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri (Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada-UGM) further elaborated on how NEXUS is taking place now between NAIST (Nara Institute of Science & Technology), UGM and BRIN. Y-tec is also implemented between IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor), UI (Universitas Indonesia) and BRIN in microbiology. When asked how one should prepare for collaboration to make community stronger? Dr. Yekti advised to “be passionate about the topic; get insights at international conferences/workshops; and not to be shy to communicate with the professors in your field.”
Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
Dr. Qolby Sabrina (Senior Researcher at the Research center for Materials Energy, BRIN), described how SSP at Osaka University (OU) inspired to professional journey to obtain her PhD. at OU in applied chemistry. After her studies she said she is exposed to more joint research opportunities like the BRIN-NEDO collaboration, and e-Asia─another international research scheme of JST.
Senior Researcher
Research Center for Materials Energy, BRIN
In the networking session, led by Mr. Alvin and Ms. Livia, SAAI coordinators hosted a game of Charade, where one person would act out a word or phrase (like kimono, onigiri, etc.) for the other player to guess correctly. Representatives from each table came forth to become contestants. The game got quite heated with the audience cheering on. The spirited atmosphere among the alumni helped to foster barrier-free engagement and encouraged people to build deeper connections.
In conclusion the event was filled with hints on how to attain collaboration and personal growth. JST and the secretariat openhandedly congratulate the third generation of SAAI coordinators team which will recruit additional coordinators in the coming future.
