Hundreds of thousands of Indonesians are currently working in Japan. On paper, this would benefit both countries since Indonesia have abundant work force while Japan’s is dwindling.
But incident after incident of bad behaviors from Indonesian workers are making the Japanese uneasy.
Viral Incidents and Growing Backlash
In recent months, a sequence of highly publicized incidents involving Indonesian nationals living in Japan has inflamed public sentiment and sparked heated discussions on social media and in political circles.
One flashpoint occurred when members of the Indonesian martial arts group Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT) marched through public areas in Osaka wearing matching black uniforms and carrying flags, actions undertaken without proper notification or local approval.
The spectacle went viral online and triggered sharp criticism from Japanese residents, who interpreted it as disrespectful and culturally tone‑deaf.
At the same time, media coverage of a robbery in Ibaraki prefecture involving three Indonesian nationals (one processing intern status, two tourists by nationality) stoked fears that crime among Indonesians might be rising in Japan, despite the isolated nature of the incident.
Rumors of a Ban
The uproar quickly gave rise to internet rumors and speculation that Japan is planning to ban Indonesian migrant workers entirely, though these rumors have been categorically denied by the Indonesian government.
Migrant Worker Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding warned social media influencers not to amplify misleading narratives.
He is stressing that claims about an impending ban were “entirely untrue” and risked harming the prospects of hundreds of thousands of Indonesians seeking work abroad.
The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo likewise affirmed there was no pending policy to block Indonesian workers, and emphasized the strength and importance of nearly seven decades of bilateral cooperation
Japan’s Labor Shortage vs Cultural Fit
Japan is facing a serious demographic crisis, with a rapidly ageing population and acute shortages of labor across sectors like construction, hospitality, agriculture, and elderly care.
As of late 2023, nearly 75,000 Indonesian technical intern trainees were working in Japan, over 21 percent of the total foreign trainees, second only to those from Vietnam.
Indonesia is seen as a strategic partner by Japanese employers, offering a large pool of young, motivated, and relatively affordable labor.
Yet what Japanese businesses need goes beyond hands; they often expect cultural conformity, punctuality, and the ability to integrate into workplace norms quickly.
Indonesian workers who struggle with language fluency or cultural adaptation can, in some cases, reinforce negative stereotypes, magnified further when viral footage or isolated criminal incidents circulate widely.
Community Views
Many Indonesian workers in Japan speak out against generalizations. One long‑term resident emphasized that many of the incidents blamed on Indonesians happened years ago.
Yet their fallout continues to ripple, affecting housing access and social trust for law‑abiding individuals in cities like Narita or Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Japanese businesses and labor experts cite the need for better language training, workplace orientation, and cultural sensitivity education to ensure Indonesian trainees not only enter the workforce but also integrate smoothly and respectfully into Japanese society.
Indonesian Government on the Ban Narrative
Despite the emotional tone of public commentary and speculation about bans, Indonesian officials assert that no official discussions have occurred to restrict entry of Indonesian workers.
The ministers have urged care in online discourse, arguing that misinformation, such as the link between three criminal cases and a national ban, risks damaging real diplomatic and economic opportunity.
Jakarta continues to promote Indonesian workers abroad, while calling for improvements in recruitment practices, language preparedness, and cultural awareness training.
The government calls for both Japanese and Indonesian stakeholders to avoid sweeping generalizations that penalize thousands for the actions of a few.
Repairing Reputation and Seizing Opportunity
At stake is more than public opinion; it's the future of Japan–Indonesia labor cooperation. Experts in Indonesia’s BRIN research body argue that Indonesia must seize the “golden opportunity” presented by Japan’s labor needs.
This would only work if Indonesian workers are consistently viewed as respectful, reliable, and culturally adept.
Beyond discouraging misinformation, Jakarta is urging stronger oversight of LPKs, encouraging more rigorous selection, better pre‑departure language and cultural training, and stronger disciplinary measures within communities abroad.
For Japan, sustaining relations means balancing legitimate concerns over misconduct with recognition of the many Indonesian workers who contribute positively to their workplaces and communities.
If that balance is struck, the rumors of bans may simply dissipate, and instead, a roadmap may emerge for mutual trust and responsible cooperation across the Strait.
