DEPOK, April 29, 2026 — The Government of Japan has announced the conferment of its prestigious Order of the Rising Sun upon two prominent Indonesian figures, recognizing their outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The awards, part of Japan’s 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations, highlight decades of work in economic diplomacy and academic exchange—cornerstones of the Japan-Indonesia partnership.

Mari Elka Pangestu: Architect of Economic Partnership

Professor Mari Elka Pangestu, former Minister of Trade and former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, has been awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star for her contributions to economic relations between Japan and Indonesia.

Pangestu played a pivotal role in realizing the Japan-Indonesia Economic Partnership Agreement (JIEPA) during her tenure as Trade Minister from 2004 to 2011. The landmark agreement, which came into force in 2008, has since facilitated significant growth in bilateral trade, investment, and human resource exchange between the two countries.

As Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy from 2011 to 2014, she advanced cooperation in content industries with Japan, helping introduce Japanese culture to Indonesian audiences while opening doors for Indonesian creative exports.

Her recognition comes just weeks after she received the Bill Frenzel Champion of Free Trade Award from the Economic Club of Minnesota—becoming the first Asian woman to receive that honor.

Pangestu currently serves as Vice Chair of Indonesia’s National Economic Council and remains an influential voice in global trade policy discussions.

Jamhari Makruf: Bridging Cultures Through Education

Professor Jamhari Makruf, Rector of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), Depok, West Java, has been awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his contributions to academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Indonesia.

A distinguished Islamic scholar, Makruf has made numerous visits to Japan over the years, providing valuable analysis on diplomatic affairs and domestic issues in Indonesia. His expertise has informed Japanese foreign policy formulation toward the Muslim-majority nation.

Perhaps most notably, he has been instrumental in establishing and implementing the “Pesantren Leaders Visit to Japan” program, a Japanese government initiative running continuously since 2004. The program brings leaders of Indonesia’s Islamic boarding schools to Japan, fostering grassroots understanding between Japanese society and Indonesia’s Muslim communities.

A Tradition of Recognition

Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875, is among the nation’s highest honors for contributions to international relations, culture, and public service.

Last year’s Spring Conferment similarly honored Indonesian figures: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and former Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa both received the Order of the Rising Sun for strengthening bilateral ties.

This year’s recognitions underscore the depth and breadth of Japan-Indonesia relations, spanning not only government-to-government diplomacy but also trade, education, and people-to-people connections. The conferment ceremony is expected to take place in Tokyo in the coming weeks. []