Indonesian Migrant Community in Japan Faces Scrutiny Over Viral Incidents

Rising numbers coincide with concerns over cultural integration and adherence to local norms.

The Indonesian expatriate population in Japan has surged, reaching nearly 200,000 by December 2024. While this growth, largely driven by migrant workers, is a testament to strong bilateral ties, a few highly publicized incidents have cast a shadow, sparking debate about cultural understanding and adherence to Japanese societal standards.

Viral Behavior Sparks Concern

A series of videos circulating on social media platforms have highlighted instances of Indonesian migrant workers exhibiting behavior that has been perceived as a breach of ethical and legal expectations in Japan. These clips have generated significant public reaction, both within Japan and among the Indonesian diaspora.

Public Smoking During Police Stop

One widely shared video depicted Indonesian migrant workers interacting with Japanese police. In the clip, one individual was seen smoking while being addressed by officers, a stark contrast to Japan’s stringent regulations on public smoking, which restrict it to designated areas only. Observers noted a seemingly unconcerned attitude from those involved, suggesting a potential lack of awareness regarding local customs.

Shiga Prefecture Fire Incident

Another incident that garnered attention involved a fire in Shiga Prefecture. Reports, amplified by social media, suggested that the blaze might have originated from an Indonesian migrant worker attempting to cook while allegedly intoxicated. While official confirmation of the cause is pending, the event quickly fueled public discussion.

Martial Arts Group March Under Debate

Members of the Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT), an Indonesian martial arts organization, were filmed participating in a public march. The group’s uniforms and flag-waving drew criticism from some who found the display disruptive. Following the public reaction, the PSHT issued an apology and pledged to improve its community engagement practices.

Muhammad Al Aula, a representative from the Indonesian Embassy, clarified that PSHT is one of several martial arts communities operating in Japan. He assured that efforts are underway to ensure future conduct aligns better with local expectations. He also emphasized that legal violations by Indonesians in Japan remain relatively low, with theft, violence, and drug offenses being the most common, though no direct link has been established between the population increase and a rise in these specific crimes.

“We have not consolidated data comparing the growing population of Indonesians with the number of violations committed,” Al Aula stated.

Broader Context of Migration

The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo reported that the Indonesian population in Japan reached 199,824 as of December 2024, a substantial increase from the previous year’s figure of approximately 149,000. Migrant workers constitute a significant portion of this growing community.

Cultural integration remains a key aspect of successful migration. For instance, in 2023, Japan saw a record 2.76 million foreign workers, a figure that highlights the increasing reliance on international labor but also underscores the importance of robust integration programs and cross-cultural understanding initiatives. Initiatives like Japan’s technical intern training program aim to facilitate skill transfer, but challenges in cultural adaptation persist for many.