A New Year’s Run That Became Diplomacy: The Untold Story of Indonesia’s Total Diplomacy in Japan

 

A New Year’s Holiday Turned into Diplomacy! The Untold Story of Indonesia’s Total Diplomacy in Japan, 2009

 

During the administration of the United Indonesia Cabinet (Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu), Indonesia revitalized the concept of Total Diplomacy. According to Foreign Minister Hasan Wirajuda, Total Diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that involves all components of the nation working in synergy while addressing issues in an integrated and comprehensive manner.

 

This form of diplomacy extends beyond government-to-government relations. It encompasses interactions between private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), communities, and other elements of society, either independently or in combination. Total Diplomacy encourages the development of creative and innovative initiatives by all stakeholders in advancing Indonesia’s interests abroad.

 

A New Year’s Morning Journey to Ibaraki

In the early hours of January 1, 2009, shortly after dawn prayers, we set off eastward toward Ibaraki Prefecture, approximately 120 kilometers from Gotanda. Accompanied by Mr. Syamsari, S.Pt., M.M., Chairman of the South Sulawesi Chapter of the Indonesian Prosperous Farmers and Fishermen Association (PPNSI), and Ms. Irma, a doctoral student from IPB University who was conducting research at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, we embarked on a mission of people-to-people diplomacy through participation in a local marathon event.

 

At 8:00 a.m., we arrived at the office of the Horticulture and Agriculture Association in Obata, Ibaraki Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. There, we met with Mr. Syozo Fujita, the head of the association, who managed agricultural trainee programs. Together with 17 Indonesian agricultural trainees undergoing training in Ibaraki Prefecture, we joined the residents of Mito in participating in the 34th Gantan (New Year’s Day) Marathon.

Running Through the Winter Cold

Despite the freezing weather, with temperatures hovering around 0°C, the trainees enthusiastically warmed up before the race. The event was organized by the local government of Mito City and held in the beautiful surroundings of Kairakuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens.

In Japan, the term “marathon” is often used broadly to refer to organized distance-running events, not necessarily the official 42.195-kilometer marathon distance. Although this race covered only 3,000 meters, it was still referred to as a marathon event.

 

Open to the general public—from elementary school children to adults—the race attracted approximately 2,500 participants and began at 8:30 a.m. Each runner completed a circuit around the picturesque Senba Lake (Senba-ko), a small lake with a circumference of about three kilometers.

 

The Beauty of Senba Lake

The lake presented a breathtaking winter landscape. Bare trees, having shed their leaves for the season, lined the shores. Ducks and swans swam freely across the water, while the morning sunlight shimmered on the lake’s crystal-clear surface, creating a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.

Sports as a Bridge Between Nations

Our participation in the event was driven by a simple yet meaningful objective: to build friendship and strengthen ties with the people of Mito City. We wanted to demonstrate that Indonesian trainees were healthy, disciplined, sportsmanlike, and eager to take part in positive community activities organized in Ibaraki Prefecture.

 

As the 3,000-meter race commenced, we also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Tachi, a member of the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly. According to Mr. Fujita, the chairman of the Horticulture Association, Mr. Tachi expressed his appreciation for the participation of Indonesian trainees in local community activities. He also voiced his hope that relations between Indonesia and Japan would continue to grow stronger and that Indonesian trainees would achieve success in their agricultural training programs in Ibaraki.

The Power of People-to-People Diplomacy

By participating in this important community event, the people of Mito gained a closer understanding of Indonesia and developed greater sympathy and appreciation for Indonesian society. One tangible outcome of these interactions was the interest shown by a Japanese family who wished to learn more about Indonesia and study the Indonesian language with the trainees.

Such moments illustrate how diplomacy does not always take place in conference rooms or through formal negotiations. Sometimes, it emerges through simple human interactions—running side by side, sharing conversations, and building mutual understanding.

 

Preparing Future Agricultural Leaders

During the event, Mr. Syamsari encouraged the trainees from South Sulawesi by saying:

“When you return to South Sulawesi, we hope to work together to develop agriculture in our region. South Sulawesi still has approximately 130 hectares of land ready for development for food crops, including soybeans.”

 

We also used this opportunity to instill in the trainees a deep appreciation for the farming profession. We emphasized that farming is a noble occupation. Farmers play an indispensable role in society by producing food—the most fundamental necessity of humankind.

 

Through their hard work, farmers contribute directly to the nutrition of children during their formative years, enabling them to grow into healthy, intelligent, and capable individuals. These children may one day become village heads, subdistrict chiefs, regents, governors, ministers, or even presidents—wise and visionary leaders who will guide our nation toward justice, prosperity, security, and well-being.

 

God willing, Indonesia will continue to advance through the dedication of its people, both at home and abroad.

 

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