Sustainable actions of Japanese companies in Indonesia
Table of contents
A Brief History Between Japan and Asia
Japan has had a long and complex relationship with other Asian countries.
During World War II, Japan invaded several Asian nations. This period caused deep suffering and damage across the region. After the war, Japan reflected on its actions and gradually rebuilt its country. By the 1970s, Japan had achieved strong economic growth.
As its economy recovered, Japan began supporting developing countries in Asia through investment, infrastructure projects, and economic cooperation. Part of this effort was seen as a way to repair relationships and take responsibility for the past.
At the same time, economic cooperation also served Japan’s own interests. Supporting neighboring countries helped Japan strengthen its influence and secure long-term partnerships.
Today, many large Japanese companies continue to work in Asia with a focus on sustainability and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Long-term stability and mutual benefit remain important values in Japanese corporate culture.
Marubeni’s Sustainable Innovation in the Pulp Industry
Marubeni has built an integrated pulp business in Indonesia’s Musi area, combining fast-growing eucalyptus plantations with a large pulp mill to supply Asian markets. The company promotes this operation as a model of sustainable forestry, committing to no deforestation of natural forests and working with local communities around its plantations.
It is also exploring advanced decarbonization through a planned Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) project at the mill, aiming to capture CO₂ from biomass power generation and move toward carbon‑negative pulp production.
These efforts are positioned as a key pillar of Marubeni’s long‑term climate strategy and support Indonesia’s broader carbon‑neutrality goals, though NGOs continue to call for more transparency and stronger ESG safeguards around the project.
Hitachi’s Commitment to Sustainable Education
Hitachi supports leadership development for young people in Indonesia mainly through the Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI), a long‑running regional youth program.
HYLI brings together top university students from Indonesia and other Asian countries for four days of discussions, workshops, and field visits on themes such as sustainability, technology, and the SDGs, helping them build critical thinking, cross‑cultural communication, and leadership skills.
Since 1996 the program has given more than 400 students across Asia, including Indonesian participants, a platform to interact directly with government, business, and academic leaders and to broaden their perspectives as future leaders.
Japan Helps Indonesia Turn Waste into Wealth
From late 2022 to early 2024, Nippon Closures (NCC), a Japanese packaging expert, partnered with Singapore’s ICMG and the UN’s SDG Academy Indonesia to host free online workshops for over 1,000 people, including government officials, students, and business leaders. They shared practical tips on recycling, eco-friendly manufacturing, and waste reduction, focusing on national policy changes rather than selling products. This no-strings knowledge transfer builds local skills for sustainable growth, aligning with global goals to cut pollution and create green jobs.
Conclusion: Japan's Enduring Influence Shapes ASEAN Sustainability
Japan’s deep historical footprint in ASEAN—from wartime tensions to postwar economic revival—has positioned it as a pivotal player, channeling that legacy into constructive sustainability efforts across Indonesia. Companies like Marubeni, Hitachi, and Nippon Closures illustrate this through carbon-negative pulp innovations, youth leadership programs, and circular economy training, delivering verifiable gains in forestry management, human capital, and waste reduction that bolster Indonesia’s climate defenses. While these initiatives undeniably advance SDGs and foster mutual growth, questions linger about scaling transparency and prioritizing local agency in future phases—inviting deeper reflection on how Japan can evolve its model to ensure equitable, lasting impact for Asia’s shared tomorrow.
