The Impact and Influence of JKT48 For Both Countries, Indonesia and Japan

JKT48 is one of the idol sister groups adopted from the Japanese idol group AKB48 where this girl band is packed with music and dance nuances of Japanese culture.

JKT48's Impact and Influence on Indonesia

JKT48 as a popular icon in Indonesia has had a significant positive impact. In the arts, the group has become a major source of entertainment for music fans with their stage performances. In 2013, the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta through the DKI Jakarta Tourism and Culture Office (Disparbud) made JKT48 as the capital's tourism ambassador. The members of JKT48 were made ambassadors in the Enjoy Jakarta tourism program which is part of the effort to attract more Japanese visitors to the Indonesian capital. JKT48 attended several events in Tokyo and Osaka in order to promote Jakarta as Enjoy Jakarta Ambassadors (JKT 2014). JKT48 is considered to be able to provide a positive image and a strong enough influence by utilizing the relationship from AKB48 in Japan. Economically, the existence of JKT48 opens up new business opportunities through the sale of concert tickets, merchandise, to collaboration with well-known brands, since the emergence of JKT48 in Indonesia, many marketers have offered JKT48 as a celebrity endorser for their products. Products that use JKT48 as a celebrity endorser such as Pocari Sweat, Laurier, Yamaha, Sharp, Biore. Pocari Sweat became the first product to use JKT48 as a celebrity endorser because it was considered capable enough to represent the active and healthy young generation. Pocari Sweat's stability in using JKT48's celebrity endorser resulted in sales growth above the set 50%.

In terms of culture, JKT48 acts as a bridge of cultural exchange between Japan and Indonesia, introducing elements of Japanese culture to the Indonesian public. This positive influence creates a close relationship between their fanbase and solidifies JKT48's position in Indonesia's artistic, economic, and cultural map. JKT48 not only entertains, but also plays an important role as an agent of cultural exchange between Japan and Indonesia, positively influencing and enriching the cultural diversity of both countries. Thus, JKT48 is not just a music group, but also a dynamic force that influences art, economy, and culture in Indonesia.

The phenomenon of JKT48 as the first idol group in Indonesia to adopt Japanese popular idol culture has influenced several aspects of contemporary Indonesian cultural development, especially pop culture among young people. In the context of contemporary international relations, pop cultures such as pop music and entertainment cross national borders and are able to influence global public opinion. In the aspect of music and entertainment, JKT48 introduced a new concept of idol girl band with a compact, cheerful and energetic dance formation. Different from the previously dominant male group bands in Indonesia, JKT48 displays a feminine and cute side through Indonesian pop songs such as Rapsodi. This enriches the color of the country's music.

Overall, JKT48 has given a new color to the development of Indonesian pop culture and  changed the conventional view of idol groups. Despite the controversy, JKT48 is now considered a dynamic representation of youth pop culture. JKT48's presence shows that Indonesian pop culture is increasingly open and able to adapt to global elements. In addition, JKT48's popularity is also beneficial in promoting Indonesian tourism and products in Japan, and vice versa. This is in line with the theory that pop culture plays a role in nation branding a country. JKT48's success in the Japanese music industry also enhances Indonesia's image as a modern country with talented talent. In terms of local culture, the JKT48 phenomenon has significantly influenced the development of Indonesian pop culture itself. Starting from the music industry, fashion, lifestyle to the emergence of supporting creative industries such as song lyricists and dance choreographers. JKT48 has essentially enriched the dynamics of Indonesian pop culture with new values from Japan.

JKT48's Impact and Influence on Japan

JKT48 has had a positive impact on Japan. In the arts, they represent AKB48, bringing Japanese music performance and costume design to Indonesia, expanding the influence of Japanese arts. Economically, JKT48 promotes Japanese companies' products in Indonesia, supporting bilateral economic cooperation. In the cultural field, JKT48 interprets the appearance of Japanese teenage girls, strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries. Through its performances, JKT48 also often performs  pop In the field of culture, JKT48 interprets the appearance of Japanese teenage girls, strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries. Through its performances, JKT48 also often displays art that reflects the richness of Japanese culture. Therefore, JKT48 plays an important role in the mutually beneficial exchange of arts, economy, and culture between Indonesia and Japan.

JKT48's presence enriches the Japanese people's experience with Indonesian culture through performances and direct interaction with fans. In addition, the economic contributions made through ticket sales, merchandise, and tours strengthen the business relationship between the two countries. JKT48 also plays a role in broadening the Japanese people's horizons of Southeast Asian cultural diversity, creating positive and sustainable ties between Indonesia and Japan.

JKT48 has a significant impact on both Indonesia and Japan. They not only represent the strength of the entertainment industry in both countries, but also strengthen cultural ties between Indonesia and Japan. JKT48 has created jobs and opportunities for local talent in Indonesia, while also being an investment opportunity for the Japanese entertainment industry.

From an economic perspective, JKT48's presence creates a creative industry ecosystem that supports the production of music, performances, and merchandise. This not only contributes significantly to Indonesia's GDP, but also creates revenue streams through tours, album sales, and  related products.

Culturally, JKT48 has become a bridge that connects the two countries through performing arts. They have become cultural ambassadors that enrich understanding between the people of Indonesia and Japan. Direct engagement with fans through various activities also builds a strong emotional bond between JKT48 members and their fans in both countries.

It is important to note that JKT48 also helps introduce Indonesian culture to the Japanese market and vice versa. This creates mutual understanding and strengthens relations between countries through positive cultural exchanges. Thus, JKT48 not only has a positive economic impact, but also plays an important role in cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and Japan.

JKT48 is also a means to promote tourism between the two countries. Their concerts and performances often attract tourists from Japan to Indonesia and vice versa. This creates opportunities for the growth of the tourism industry in both countries, while providing a unique cultural experience for fans.

Another positive impact is the inspiration JKT48 provides to the younger generation in Indonesia. The group not only emphasizes the importance of talent and dedication, but also teaches values such as hard work, collaboration, and an unyielding spirit. This can provide a positive boost to the career development and aspirations of young fans. As such,  through economic, cultural and social fusion, JKT48 has established its footprint as a phenomenon that enriches both countries, bringing sustainable benefits in various aspects of life.

JKT48 contributes greatly to international relations between Indonesia and Japan through a cultural approach. JKT48 helps increase understanding of Japanese culture in Indonesia and vice versa, and promotes Japanese culture in Indonesia through stage performances and fan interaction activities. In addition, JKT48 also contributes to the development of Japanese lovers groups in Indonesia. Through its existence, JKT48 has become one of the strongest instruments for Japanese cultural diplomacy in Indonesia. Some former JKT48 members were also appointed as Friendship Ambassadors of Indonesia and Japan, which helped strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. JKT48 also helps increase international cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, and opens up opportunities in marketing products in Indonesia, such as food and beverage, fashion, and electronic products. Thus, JKT48 has a positive impact on international relations between Indonesia and Japan, especially in terms of cultural and economic influence.

Sumber:

(Ahmad, 2023)

(Swarakaltim, 2023)

Hello, my name is Intan Mei Brisqia,I made this article as reading material about Indonesia's foreign policy. International Relations Study Program, Yogyakarta University of Technology with Accreditation B Batch 2022. The motivation to study in the international relation is to practice and develop foreign language skills, relations between countries and learn about other countries. The different political, economic, social and cultural aspects are interesting for me to learn about,to explore international issues. I feel happy learning new knowledge and culture from foreign countries. I felt I had to expand my knowledge of the world. So with my interest in world issues, I like international politics courses. I have a favorite lecturer at UTY, namely Mrs. Hidayat Chusnul Chotimah, S.I.A., M.A, because She's fun to chat about anything with an interesting, easily understood and always warmly xixi and Mr. Adi Wibawa, S.I.P, M.A, because he teaches easy to understand. My plan for next semester is to take a concentration in business because I am interested in learning business related materials and being able to develop my abilities.