Nov 14, 2025
A Field Trip to Higashimurayama City Hall
— A Special Event for Indonesian Government-Sponsored Students in the MSDA and MPMA course —
OBJECTIVE.
The program began with a 30-minute guided tour of Higashimurayama City Hall. Students visited various sections, including City Council facilities, allowing them to observe firsthand the environment in which municipal administration is carried out.
Lectures and Q&A Sessions Covering Four Key Themes
Following the tour, the group moved to a conference room, where lectures and Q&A sessions were held on the following four themes:
1. Overview of the Higashimurayama City Government and Organizational Structure
2. Agriculture in Higashimurayama
3. Support Programs for Entrepreneurship and Startup Development
4. City Promotion Initiatives
Many participating students have work experience in Indonesian government agencies. Their strong professional interest was evident during the sessions, and the Q&A included advanced questions on topics such as the independence of boards of education and tax jurisdiction. City officials provided clear, detailed explanations that incorporated concrete examples and data, greatly enriching the students’ learning experience.
1. Overview of the Higashimurayama City Government and Organizational Structure
2. Agriculture in Higashimurayama
3. Support Programs for Entrepreneurship and Startup Development
4. City Promotion Initiatives
Many participating students have work experience in Indonesian government agencies. Their strong professional interest was evident during the sessions, and the Q&A included advanced questions on topics such as the independence of boards of education and tax jurisdiction. City officials provided clear, detailed explanations that incorporated concrete examples and data, greatly enriching the students’ learning experience.
City Hall Tour
The program began with a 30-minute guided tour of Higashimurayama City Hall. Students visited various sections, including City Council facilities, allowing them to observe firsthand the environment in which municipal administration is carried out.
Interaction with Mayor Takashi Watanabe
Toward the end of the event, Mayor Takashi Watanabe visited the venue to meet with the students. He shared insights on Higashimurayama’s policy initiatives and drew comparisons with international cases, including examples from Vietnam. The mayor also actively engaged with the students, asking questions about administrative challenges in Indonesia. This thoughtful interaction left a strong impression on the students and contributed to a meaningful exchange.
Interpretation Provided by RiCoLaS
Interpretation for the event was provided by RiCoLaS (Rikkyo Community Language Service), a student interpreter and translator group affiliated with the College of Intercultural Communication, ensuring smooth communication throughout the program.
Special Foreign Student Program for Indonesian Government Officials
Since September 2025, Rikkyo University Graduate School has been hosting students affiliated with Indonesian government agencies who are currently enrolled at Sriwijaya University and Universitas Padjadjaran. These students are accepted as Special Foreign Students for one academic term (September to late January).
Their studies in Japan are funded by the National Development Planning Ministry of Indonesia (BAPPENAS)*1 and the Ogan Ilir Regency Government*2. After completing the program at Rikkyo, they will return to Indonesia to pursue their master’s degrees.
*1 BAPPENAS (Ministry of National Development Planning)
BAPPENAS is Indonesia’s central agency responsible for national development planning. Its main functions include drafting development policies, coordinating planning, budgeting, and regulation, translating the President’s vision into priority programs, and formulating evidence-based policies.
*2 Ogan Ilir Regency (South Sumatra Province)
Ogan Ilir is a regency in South Sumatra named after the Ogan River, the major river running through the region. It covers an area of 2,666.07 km². According to the 2020 census, the population was 416,549, and official mid-2024 estimates place the population at 446,020 (225,871 males and 220,149 females).
Their studies in Japan are funded by the National Development Planning Ministry of Indonesia (BAPPENAS)*1 and the Ogan Ilir Regency Government*2. After completing the program at Rikkyo, they will return to Indonesia to pursue their master’s degrees.
*1 BAPPENAS (Ministry of National Development Planning)
BAPPENAS is Indonesia’s central agency responsible for national development planning. Its main functions include drafting development policies, coordinating planning, budgeting, and regulation, translating the President’s vision into priority programs, and formulating evidence-based policies.
*2 Ogan Ilir Regency (South Sumatra Province)
Ogan Ilir is a regency in South Sumatra named after the Ogan River, the major river running through the region. It covers an area of 2,666.07 km². According to the 2020 census, the population was 416,549, and official mid-2024 estimates place the population at 446,020 (225,871 males and 220,149 females).
