Indonesia-Japan Cultular Diplomacy : History of The Japanese Idol Band Representation in Indonesia

With a new popular culture that received a positive response, JKT48 still survives in the Indonesian Music Industry to this day. During its 10 years of existence, JKT48 has achieved various successes and recognition from various parties, one of which is from the Japanese Embassy to Indonesia.

JKT48 has been honored by the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia as a group that has contributed to Indonesia Japan-ASEAN friendly relations in the field of food and agriculture.

JKT48 has a big role in presenting Indonesian cultural elements in some of their musical works. There are various Japanese cultures that they try to combine with Indonesian elements through JKT48's movements or music video concepts. If seen from several appearances in the music video, JKT48 uses various attributes that depict typical Indonesian uniform styles in the music video "Heavy Rotation" which was released in 2013. In addition, JKT48 in several other music videos also displays elements of Indonesian culture as in the concept of Indonesian culture hangs raised can be seen in their music video entitled "Dirimu Melody". The element of the Joglo traditional house that became the background of the music making clarified the impression of Indonesia that JKT48 tried to bring.

One form of Japanese idol culture applied by JKT48 is the sale of photo albums of the members. Gravute photos are common in the Japanese idol world. Every idol in Japan is required to have one gravute photo in a swimsuit published through a general magazine. Unlike the Japanese culture, JKT48 tries to adapt the concept of gravute photos by applying the values and norms that apply in Indonesia. JKT48 brought the concept of gravute photos incorporating elements of Indonesian culture such as Kebaya to celebrate Kartini Day and they also released a special photopack to commemorate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia in 2016.

JKT48 is also involved in major festivals such as Jaca-Japan Matsuri which is a forum for cultural exchange between the two countries through the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta and the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Departing from this, JKT48 several times became Indonesia's representation in introducing Indonesian culture in many major events both in Japan such as Enjoy Jakarta ambassadors in events in Tokyo and Osaka in 2014. Until JKT48 became the Capital Tourism Ambassador in Jakarta where this is an effort to attract more local Japanese visitors to Indonesia.

Through its popularity, JKT48 has received many offers to market the products of Japanese and Indonesian companies. Where products that use JKT 48 include Pocari Sweat, Tokiwa Pharmaceuticals, Laurier, Yamaha, Biore, Sharp, IM3, Lawson, Oxy, Honda Brio and All New Jazz, Charm, WAKUWAKU Japan, Tolak Angin, Lip Ice and Shopee. Creating JKT48 is able to have an impact in improving the economy for both countries because of its many involvements as Brand Ambassadors and non-government diplomacy actors.

About the author~

Hi, I'm Resi Gervia Juliyanti, an International Relations student at Yogyakarta University of Technology class 22 (accreditation B). My motivation for choosing the International Relations study program is because I like watching movies set in the background of war. After entering the International Relations study program, I came to know that it turns out that in this international world there will always be one country that dominates. My favorite lecturers in International Relations are Mr. Adi Wibawa, S.IP., MA. and Mrs. Hidayat Chusnul Chotimah, S.I.A,. M.A. and for my concentration plan I still haven't made a choice because I'm still confused :-D. Thank you all