Three Indonesian Citizens Officially Become First Foreign Bus Drivers in Japan's Aichi Prefecture

According to information on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website as viewed on Friday (8/5/2026), the three were farewelled by the Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Japan, Maria Renata Hutagalung. Maria Renata also expressed appreciation to the management of Meitetsu Bus for their high standards in recruitment, training, and labour protection, as well as the opportunities provided to drivers from Indonesia.

“I extend my congratulations to the Indonesian drivers. Work with full enthusiasm, caution, and a great sense of responsibility. Fellow drivers not only work professionally but also serve as national ambassadors who bring Indonesian values, work ethic, and positive character,” said Maria, accompanied by Assistant Attaché for Transportation at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Giri Tresna Putra Munggaran, and Third Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs, Zharifah Raihanah Shiddiq.

Several Japanese authorities attended the event, including Kenji Ogawa, Head of the Aichi Transportation Branch Office, Chubu Transportation Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Gen Kadoya, Head of the Urban Development Department of the Toyota City Government; Hajime Nagura, Director and General Manager of the Human Resources Department, Meitetsu Bus Co., Ltd.; and Kazuhisa Sumino, President Director of Kigyo Koryu Center, Chairman of KS Global Co., Ltd. group company.

Local government and transportation companies on this occasion extended congratulations to the Indonesian drivers and expressed gratitude to the Indonesian Government for cooperation in the field of bus transportation drivers. Cooperation in the field of Indonesian-Japanese drivers has been ongoing since 2025. Not only for public transportation such as buses, but also for logistics truck driver needs.

Founder and Director of LPK Japan Indonesia Driving School (JIDS), Bowo Kristianto, explained that up to 2026, 16 drivers for bus transportation from Indonesia have been recorded. They are all spread across several companies: 6 at Tokyu Bus; 3 at Osaka Bus; 3 at Meitetsu Bus; 2 at Hiroshima Bus; and 2 at Fujikyu Bus.

Meanwhile, for logistics trucks, Bowo explained that a total of 14 people have been placed since 2025 across several companies: 9 at Kabushiki Toso; 3 at Kabushiki Fujisawa; and 2 at Daisho Logistic.

“Currently, around 90 people have been selected and are undergoing training at JIDS. Thank you for the support from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo,” said Bowo.