#Indonesia #Buton Regency #Japanese Window #Buton

Introduction

Indonesian Comprehensive Research Institute, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has officially appointed the "Japanese Window" in Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. This initiative aims to strengthen the collaboration between Japanese companies and local industries, particularly in human resources and the fisheries sector.

Background of the Indonesian Comprehensive Research Institute

The Japanese Comprehensive Research Institute has been pivotal in bridging Japan and Indonesia through market research, supporting Japanese business expansion, and matching human resources in various sectors. The new role of the Japanese Window is expected to enhance business ties and personnel exchanges even more significantly between Buton and Japan.

Understanding Buton Regency

Buton Regency is located on the southern part of Buton Island, off the southeastern coast of Sulawesi Island. It is renowned for being one of the world’s largest reserves of natural asphalt and is rich in natural resources such as patchouli and nickel. The region is often referred to as the "hidden gem of Southeast Sulawesi". With these abundant resources, Buton offers extensive opportunities for exploration and investment, which the institute has also highlighted in its columns.

Geography and Accessibility

Buton Regency lies on Buton Island in Southeast Sulawesi and does not have its own airport. However, the nearest air gateway is the Baubau (Betoambari) Airport in the nearby city of Baubau. Traveling from Tokyo to Jakarta takes approximately 7.5 to 8 hours on a direct flight. From Jakarta to Makassar, a domestic flight takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes, followed by another 1 hour and 15 minutes from Makassar to Baubau. Thus, including layover times, it takes a full day to reach Buton from Japan. Despite the distance, Buton is home to rich natural resources, a vibrant fishing industry, and diligent human resources that make the journey worthwhile.

The Fisheries Industry in Buton Regency

Buton is recognized as one of the prominent fishing regions in Southeast Sulawesi, with estimated natural fisheries production projected to be around 18,700 tons by 2025, equivalent to approximately 39.26 billion Indonesian Rupiah. Fishing activities occur in various areas including Pasarwajo, Siotapina, Lasalimu, and Kapontori. The catch primarily includes species highly demanded in the Japanese market, such as tuna (both yellowfin and bigeye), swordfish, bonito, mackerel, snapper, flying fish, and shrimp. Currently, around 1,583 fishing boats operate, with significant developments in seaweed and pearl aquaculture, particularly in the Kapontori area. However, the region faces challenges in post-catch infrastructure, including ice production and refrigeration, which are essential for maintaining freshness and ensuring export quality. The institute aims to address these challenges through matchmaking and identifying business opportunities for Japanese companies in the fisheries sector.

Initial Collaborations

As part of our initial efforts after assuming the Japanese Window position, we organized meetings between Japanese companies and Buton officials.

• - TDG Holdings and Human Resources: A discussion was held to explore potential collaboration in the driver recruitment field.
• - PT. Nutrindo Joga Shima and Fisheries: A meeting was set up with PT. Nutrindo Joga Shima, a local entity of a Japanese seafood processing company, to examine various opportunities within Buton’s fisheries.

Future Prospects

The institute, as the Japanese Window for Buton Regency, plans to engage in multi-faceted support including information dissemination, facilitating business negotiations, and organizing site visits. This collaboration is our first initiative, laying the groundwork for a continuous bridge between Japanese businesses and Buton.
Japanese companies interested in establishing connections with local regions in Indonesia are encouraged to reach out to us for more information and potential collaborations.