Indonesian Workers in Japan Face Growing Stigma After Viral Incidents; Indonesian Embassy Issues Public Apology
This article organizes publicly available information into a single account. Where it describes an arrest or an ongoing investigation, that reflects only one stage of criminal procedure and does not mean guilt has been established (the presumption of innocence applies). We will update this article as new information becomes available, including the outcome of prosecution, non-prosecution, or trial. This article is not intended to unfairly disparage any individual, group, nationality, ethnicity, or belief, and aims to provide objective, fact-based information.
(Translated/summarized article) Members of the Indonesian traditional martial arts organization Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT) based in Japan drew a wave of critical comments from Japanese social media users after footage of an unauthorized group parade, participants marching in matching black uniforms and carrying organizational flags through urban areas, went viral, according to Indonesia's English-language newspaper The Jakarta Post.
In response, the Indonesian Embassy in Japan summoned PSHT representatives in late June and had them issue a public apology. The group explained that the footage in question was actually filmed nearly three years earlier, and pledged to obtain permits from local authorities before organizing any future events. The controversy has been compounded by other reported incidents involving Indonesian nationals, including robbery and drug offenses, which are said to be contributing to the growing stigma. At the same time, the Embassy stressed that the overall number of legal violations by Indonesians in Japan remains relatively low.
Current status: This article is a translated summary based on overseas media reporting (The Jakarta Post); as of this writing, it has not been possible to confirm the details against primary sources such as an official embassy statement.
Coverage of Indonesians in Japan has spanned both the expansion of acceptance through the Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker programs (related coverage) and responses to friction and misunderstanding, such as the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo officially denying rumors of a work ban (related coverage). This case can be seen as an extension of the latter.