Japanese study center opened

Japanese study center opened

JAKARTA (JP): Cultural exchange between Indonesians and
Japanese will be better facilitated with the official opening of
the Center for Japanese Studies at the University of Indonesia's
campus in Depok yesterday.

Marked by the opening address in both languages, the two-story
building on the grounds of the Faculty of Letters was inaugurated
by Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro.

The minister hoped the center could act as a "bridge" for both
countries, "as opposed to a beachhead with respect to issues
related to Japan."

The university's rector M.K. Tadjuddin said the center, headed
by Hero Kuntjoro-Jakti, an expert on Japan, was developed for the
increasing need to organize researchers on Japanese studies.

Facilities in the 6,269-square-meter building, designed by
Japan's Matsuda Consultants, includes a guest house and seminar
hall.

Funds of 1.36 million yen were raised from a Japanese aid
project and the Indonesian government provided Rp 1.9 billion for
its construction which began in March, 1994.

Kuntjoro-Jakti said there are four areas of study in the
center's graduate program, economics and management, social
sciences, humanities, science and technology.

The center is a development of the Department of Japanese
Language set up in 1967, which was followed by a graduate program
for Japanese studies in 1990. Last year the University began a
doctorate degree program with the assistance of the Japan
foundation.

Also present at the ceremony was Japanese envoy Taizo
Watanabe, who addressed the audience in Indonesian. (anr)