Bekasi, mataberita.net — The Bekasi City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) warmly welcomed a delegation of council members from Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on Wednesday (July/30/2025). The visit marked a promising step toward exploring potential cross-sector partnerships between the two regions. The meeting was enveloped in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, highlighting the spirit of international cooperation. Guests from the Land of the Rising Sun were treated to a taste of Indonesian hospitality, featuring traditional refreshments such as warm ginger tea and klepon, a popular local delicacy. Chairman of the Bekasi City Council Sardi Efendi expressed his appreciation for the cultural exchange.
“Our guests responded very positively to the traditional Indonesian welcome. It was a meaningful gesture that helped build mutual respect and connection. Today’s guests already tried the ginger drink from the back canteen, a traditional Indonesian product. They said it was delicious, and they also enjoyed the klepon,” said Council Chairman Sardi following the meeting. The visit marks an initial step toward exploring a bilateral cooperation between Bekasi City and Chiba Prefecture, with a particular focus on labor and employment opportunities.
According to Sardi, the Bekasi City Government, through its Manpower Office (Dinas Ketenagakerjaan), has allocated a budget of IDR 7 billion to support workforce placement programs in Japan. “This is a strategic move to open international employment pathways for our skilled labor force. Japan’s interest aligns well with our commitment to expand opportunities for our workforce abroad,” he added.
“They’re looking to explore collaboration in the field of employment. And today, it’s important to note that the Bekasi City Manpower Office has already allocated funding for sending skilled workers to Japan,” Sardi explained. In addition to employment, the Chiba delegation also expressed interest in other strategic sectors, including waste management, technology development, infrastructure, and transportation systems. According to Sardi, this interest stems from Bekasi’s geographical advantages and its rapid urban growth. “They enjoyed visiting Bekasi because of its proximity to Jakarta and the city’s dynamic development,” he added.
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“They are eager to exchange ideas and engage in deeper discussions on waste management, technology, infrastructure, and transportation,” added the Chairman of the Bekasi City Council. He went on to say that Bekasi City has previously established several forms of cooperation with Japanese counterparts, both at the national and local levels. “We hope this visit will strengthen our relationship and lead to more concrete collaborations in the future,” he concluded.
“This partnership has actually already begun, what matters now is how we follow up and build upon what’s already in motion. Whether through direct interregional cooperation or by leveraging broader national networks, we aim to expand and deepen these collaborative efforts,” Sardi emphasized. (Adv DPRD Kota Bekasi)