Alumni
Dr. Amzul Rifin
Dr. Amzul, who studied at International University of Japan (IUJ) in 2003 as the first batch JDS fellow from Indonesia, has been stationed at the Indonesian Embassy in Japan since March 2024, serving as a bridge between the Japanese and Indonesian governments.
At IUJ, he studied the export taxation system of palm oil, which is an important export commodity in Indonesia, then entered the University of Tokyo to earn his PhD. Currently, Dr. Amzul is Head of the Education and Culture Section at the Indonesian Embassy in Japan, where actively organizing events in cooperation with Japanese educational institutions and managing the Tokyo School of the Republic of Indonesia.
Dr. Amzul gave us the following comments regarding JDS project:
I decided to study in Japan since JDS project was especially targeted for the government officials and I thought it was a very good opportunity to study abroad. Although JDS project in Indonesia ended in 2006, many JDS alumni are now working in management positions in Indonesia’s central ministries and agencies. I highly appreciate the scholarship programs of the Japanese government, including JDS project.
After studying as a JDS fellow at IUJ, I entered the PhD program at the University of Tokyo in 2007 through the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program. I studied agricultural economics and was able to obtain my doctorate in 2011. Without my study abroad experiences in Japan, I would not be able to build up my current career. Currently, I am working for the embassy in Tokyo after being transferred from my affiliated Bogor University. At my work, I have opportunities to contact with the professors who guided me during my study in Japan.
Traditionally, many Indonesian students wanted to study in English-speaking countries such as Australia and the U.S., however, in recent years, interests in Japan has been growing among the young generation due to the influence of Japanese animation etc, and many students are visiting Japan from Indonesia.
It is expected that Dr. Amzul will contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan through his educational initiatives.