DEPOK, West Java – Professor Dr. Jamhari Makruf, Rector of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) in Depok, has been conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Government of Japan in recognition of his outstanding contributions to academic exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in recognition of your outstanding contribution,” reads the official letter from Mitsuru MYOCHIN, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Indonesia, delivered to the Rector on 22 June 2026. The letter also conveyed a personal message from Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, who wrote: “Please accept my sincerest congratulations on the conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in recognition of your outstanding contribution, and my best wishes for your continuous good health and happiness.”

A Scholar Bridging Two Nations

Professor Jamhari, a distinguished Islamic scholar who has led UIII since November 2023, has made numerous academic and policy-oriented visits to Japan over the years. He has consistently provided Japanese audiences with grounded insights into Indonesia’s domestic political dynamics, the role of Islamic institutions, and the evolving character of pluralism in Indonesian society.

His expertise has been highly valued by Japanese policymakers and scholars alike, contributing to the formulation of Japan’s foreign policy toward Indonesia and the broader Muslim world.

The Pesantren Leaders Visit Program

Among Professor Jamhari’s most influential contributions is his instrumental role in establishing and sustaining the “Pesantren Leaders Visit to Japan” program—a Japanese government initiative that has run continuously since 2004. Facilitated by PPIM UIN Jakarta, the program brings leaders of Indonesia’s Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) to Japan for intensive exposure to Japanese society, education, governance, and culture.

Under his guidance, the initiative evolved into a platform for people-to-people diplomacy between Japanese society and Indonesia’s grassroots Islamic leadership. Pesantren leaders return home with firsthand experience of Japan’s social discipline, technological innovation, and civic values—insights they share with students and communities across Indonesia.

Strengthening UIII’s Global Vision

As Rector of UIII, Professor Jamhari has continued to institutionalize his vision of international academic exchange. UIII, conceived as a global hub for Islamic studies and social sciences, reflects his commitment to positioning Indonesia as a center of intellectual engagement between the Muslim world and the international community.

Under his leadership, the university has fostered academic collaboration with Japanese universities and scholars, reinforcing scholarly networks that transcend national borders. The university’s focus on integrating advanced educational practices and fostering international partnerships has been crucial to its recent achievements.

A High Honor with Deep Significance

Established in 1875, the Order of the Rising Sun is one of Japan’s highest honors, bestowed upon individuals of merit in recognition of their outstanding contributions to international relations, culture, and public service. The award features rays of sunlight radiating from the rising sun—a symbol of energy and determination.

The conferment, announced as part of Japan’s 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on April 29, 2026, honors the UIII rector’s more than two decades of sustained efforts in strengthening bilateral ties through education, research, and Islamic dialogue.

Educational Diplomacy

Secretary of UIII, Chaider S Bamualim, noted that this achievement affirms that Islamic higher education institutions play a strategic role in supporting Indonesia’s global diplomacy. “Academic spaces, pesantren, and scholarly forums have proven to be effective mediums for building mutual understanding between nations,” he said.

The recognition of Professor Jamhari underscores the depth and breadth of Japan-Indonesia relations, spanning not only government-to-government diplomacy but also education and people-to-people connections. It also demonstrates that Islamic higher education has a tangible contribution to strengthening Indonesia’s position on the global stage. []