On Friday, November 3, 2023, the Japanese Government announced the prestigious “Star of Service” award.The Order of The Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” to Prof. Dr. Djodjok Soepardjo, M.Litt. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding contribution to enhancing academic exchanges and deepening friendship between Japan and Indonesia.
The award was announced directly by the Japanese Consul General in Surabaya, Takeyama Kenichi, who visited the International Multicultural Center (I'Mc) in Surabaya. His visit also included the presentation of a congratulatory letter from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamikawa Yoko, to Prof. Dr. Djodjok Soepardjo, M.Litt.
Prof. Djodjok Soepardjo (left) receives and talks with the Japanese Consul General in Surabaya, Takeyama Kenichi (center), regarding the awarding of the Star of Service from the Japanese Government. Photo: I'Mc Center
According to Takeyama Kenichi, the Bintang Jasa award is a recognition of Prof. Dr. Djodjok Soepardjo's extraordinary contribution in advancing cooperation between Japan and Indonesia in the academic and scientific fields. Over the years, Prof. Dr. Djodjok Soepardjo has played a significant role in expanding scientific, cultural, and academic exchanges between the two countries both as a Japanese Language lecturer at Surabaya State University (UNESA) and as a Supervisor of the I'Mc Center. Prof. Djodjok Soepardjo is considered to have become a bridge that strengthens relations between Indonesia and Japan, and helps deepen the two countries' understanding of each other's culture and science.
The awarding of the Star of Service from the Japanese Government to Prof. Dr. Djodjok Soepardjo, M.Litt., is scheduled to take place at an official ceremony in Surabaya. Takeyama Kenichi, the Japanese Consul General in Surabaya, also stated that three other individuals will receive similar Star of Service awards from the Japanese Government in different fields. These include:
- Dr. Djodjok Soepardjo, M.Litt. (Japanese Language Lecturer, UNESA and Advisor to I'Mc Center)
- H. Mochamad Basuki Hadimoeljono, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Minister of Public Works and Public Housing)
- Noer Hassan Wirajuda (former Minister of Foreign Affairs)
The Japanese government hopes that this award will continue to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Japan and Indonesia in the future. Prof. Dr. Djodjok Soepardjo, M.Litt., expressed his gratitude and joy for receiving the Bintang Jasa. He added that the award will motivate him to continue his enthusiasm and contribute to upholding Indonesia's reputation on the international stage. For Prof. Djodjok Soepardjo, Japan is a truly inspiring country and has been a part of his life ever since.
