TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of Indonesian citizens residing in Japan has been steadily rising in recent years. According to data from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, as of December 2024, there were 199,824 Indonesians living in the country.
This figure marks a significant increase from the previous year’s total of approximately 149,000 individuals. A large portion of this population consists of migrant workers.
However, alongside this growth, a few incidents involving a small group of Indonesian citizens, particularly migrant workers, have drawn public attention due to behavior considered to breach ethical norms and legal standards in Japan.
Some of these cases have gone viral on social media, sparking concern both among the Japanese public and within the Indonesian community in Japan.
Three Notable Incidents Involving Migrant Workers
1. Smoking During Police Inspection
A short video uploaded on TikTok captured the moment several migrant workers were being stopped by Japanese police. Instead of cooperating, one of them was seen smoking in front of the officers.
The incident raised concerns among netizens, especially since Japan enforces strict rules regarding smoking in public. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
As cited by Nihon, the video also showed a companion of the individual filming the situation with what seemed to be a proud tone, showing little awareness that the behavior violated local social norms.
The incident has raised broader concerns about whether some migrant workers fully understand or respect local customs and regulations.
2. Suspected Drunken Cooking Triggers Fire in Shiga Prefecture
Another case that attracted attention took place in Shiga Prefecture. A video showing a building engulfed in flames was uploaded by a TikTok user known as @asahisan22, identified as an Indonesian citizen living in Japan. According to the post, the fire broke out around 03:00 AM local time.
Initial reports suggested that the blaze may have started when an Indonesian migrant worker, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to cook instant noodles.
Although no official confirmation has been made by Japanese authorities regarding the cause, the news spread rapidly and stirred public reaction.
3. PSHT Martial Arts Group March Sparks Debate
Members of the Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT), an Indonesian martial arts community in Japan, were filmed marching in public while wearing uniforms and waving flags. Some viewers found the gathering disruptive. Although Japanese authorities have made no official statement, the PSHT apologized and promised to improve.
Muhammad Al Aula from the Indonesian Embassy clarified that PSHT is one of eight silat communities active in Japan and that they are working to ensure better conduct in the future.
Despite the viral nature of these cases, the Indonesian Embassy emphasized that the number of legal violations committed by Indonesians in Japan remains relatively low. The most common offenses are theft, violence, and drug-related cases.
However, there is no official data linking the rise in the Indonesian population to an increase in criminal cases.
"We have not consolidated data comparing the growing population of Indonesians with the number of violations committed," said Al Aula.
Adinda Jasmine contributed to the writing of this article.
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