Japanese and Indonesian University Students to Build Together Through Fukuoka × Indonesia Entrepreneurship Program

What happens when Japanese and Indonesian university students stop simply learning about each other — and start building together? 

That is the idea behind the Fukuoka × Indonesia Entrepreneurship Program, organised by JETRO Fukuoka and delivered by VenturesLink through KakehashiX. 

The programme will bring students from Japan and Indonesia together in mixed teams to develop business ideas, solve problems and pitch their concepts. 

More than a student exchange 

International programmes often involve students travelling to another country, attending sessions, visiting companies and returning home with a new perspective. 

Those experiences have value. 

But entrepreneurship is learned differently. 

It requires people to work together, disagree, adapt, communicate and turn an idea into something tangible. 

The Fukuoka × Indonesia Entrepreneurship Program is designed around that experience. 

Japanese and Indonesian students will work together from the start — navigating differences in language, culture, markets and business practices. 

That is the real learning experience. 

Why Japan and Indonesia? 

Japan has a highly developed economy, deep technological and manufacturing expertise and an increasingly international startup ecosystem. 

Indonesia offers scale, a young population, a dynamic digital economy and growing entrepreneurial opportunities across Southeast Asia. 

There is a natural opportunity for young people from both countries to learn from one another. 

For Japanese students, Indonesia offers exposure to one of Southeast Asia’s most important markets. 

For Indonesian students, Japan offers exposure to Japanese business culture, technology, entrepreneurship and international career opportunities. 

But the most valuable outcome may simply be the relationships they build. 

The KakehashiX connection 

Kakehashi means bridge in Japanese. 

KakehashiX was created around the idea that meaningful Japan–international connections require more than introductions. They require an environment where people can actually interact, collaborate and build relationships. 

The Fukuoka × Indonesia Entrepreneurship Program is one example of that philosophy in action. 

The students joining the programme today may become the entrepreneurs and business leaders connecting Japan and Indonesia tomorrow. 

The bridge starts with a connection.