CSIS honored with Japan FM award

The Japanese Embassy formally presented the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) with the Foreign Minister's Award on Wednesday in recognition of its contribution to Japanese-Indonesian relations.

Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Kojiro Shiojiri (left), presented the award during a ceremony at his residence in South Jakarta.

Ambassador Shiojiri said CSIS has played the role "of a lighthouse of wisdom" in developing the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Japan. He expressed hope that the institute would continue to intensify its role in the future. The award was presented by the ambassador to CSIS Executive Director Rizal Sukma (center).

Elaborating on the various fields in which CSIS had strengthened bilateral ties, Jusuf Wanandi (right), CSIS's senior fellow and vice chairman of the board of trustees, said the Centre remains supportive of efforts to boost mutual understanding between the two nations.

"We trust there are many more avenues where we can collaborate further," he said, adding that both countries hold a position of strategic importance in the regional framework.

Among the guests was Trade Minister Mari Pangestu, who is a former CSIS director.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Award, presented as part of commemorations to mark last year's 50th anniversary of Indonesian-Japanese relations, recognizes the contribution of individuals and institutions who have worked towards the development and promotion of relations between the two nations.

A total of five Indonesians and 15 organizations received the prestigious award.

During the formal announcement of the prizes late last year, the Japanese Embassy said in a statement that CSIS was being honored for conducting seminars and research analysis which solidified the friendship and cooperation between the countries.

CSIS was established in 1971 as an independent NGO focusing on policy-oriented studies with the aim of contributing to improved policy making through research, dialogue and public debate of domestic and international issues.

- The Jakarta Post