Sofjan Wanandi - JP/Wendra Ajistyatama

Japan will bestow government decorations on three Indonesians '€” Sofjan Wanandi, Christine Hakim and Hisako Hartono '€” in recognition of their meritorious contributions in fostering relations between the two countries, the Japan Embassy announced on Monday.

The three will receive the Order of the Rising Sun for their contributions to strengthening ties, particularly in economic and cultural fields.

A noted businessman, Sofjan, currently chair of Vice President Jusuf Kalla'€™s economic team, is being honored for his contribution to strengthening economic relations between Indonesia and Japan. He will be bestowed with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.

The former Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman is to be honored for his significant achievements in improving the Indonesian investment climate, particularly his endeavors in seeking solutions to problems faced by Japanese companies as well as local counterparts. His guidelines and policy recommendations are believed to have helped the country'€™s economic growth.

Born in the small town of Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, to parents of Chinese descent, Sofjan has proven himself to be an influential businessman.

Active for years in the Indonesian Chamber Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and Apindo, Sofjan is also considered by many as a spokesman for Chinese-Indonesian businessmen for his extraordinary communication skills. These have served him well especially when dealing with the government and businessmen from different groups, including pribumi (indigenous) and foreign investors.

Christine, an actress and movie producer, will be bestowed with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for her contribution to developing mutual understanding and cross-cultural interactions between Indonesia and Japan.

She has contributed in forging grassroots cooperation through the establishment of a foundation that serves to promote interactions between people of the two countries. Her efforts have led to greater understanding between the countries and to many fans of Japan.

Hisako, a former staff member of the Japanese Embassy, has been honored for her contributions in embassy activities in Indonesia. She will be bestowed with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays.

Hisako worked for the embassy for almost 23 years from October 1968. She was a secretary for 10 Japanese ambassadors in Indonesia. Her integrity and relentless work helped considerably to improve the relationship of the two nations.

The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan.

The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in certain fields, international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.

It is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government. However, it is generally the highest ordinarily conferred order.

The highest Japanese order, the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is reserved for heads of state or royalty, while the second highest order, the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, is mostly reserved for politicians.

The modern version of the honor was first conferred on non-Japanese recipients in 1981, although several foreigners were given the honor before World War II. Women were awarded the Order starting in 2003 '€” previously, they were awarded the Order of the Precious Crown. The awarding of the Order is administered by the Decoration Bureau of Office of the Prime Minister.

Popular

PDI-P will likely be part of opposition: Ganjar

Indonesia one step from Olympics after beating South Korea

Bahlil leads task force to boost sugar, bioethanol production in Papua