Photo: ISI BALI Rector, Prof. Dr. I Wayan “Kun” Adnyana (right), and the Chief Executive Officer of BESTie Co., Ltd., Mr. Matsumoto Yuki, during a meeting to discuss preparations for the international internship program at Sabha Citta Mahottama Hall, ISI BALI, on Wednesday (8/7).
The Indonesia Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI BALI) continues to advance the implementation of its international internship program in collaboration with the ceramic industry in Hasami, Japan. As a follow-up to the recently established partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Cooperation Agreement with Japanese partners, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BESTie Co., Ltd., Mr. Matsumoto Yuki, visited ISI BALI on Wednesday (8/7) to discuss preparations for the program with the institute’s executive leadership.
The meeting, held at the ISI BALI Teleconference Room, was hosted by ISI BALI Rector, Prof. Dr. I Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, accompanied by the Vice Rectors, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (FSRD), the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FSRD, the Director of the Graduate School, the Head of the Bureau of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Cooperation, and the Head of the Bureau of Planning, General Affairs, and Finance. Mr. Matsumoto was accompanied by Ms. Alja, a Japanese language instructor who will provide language training for students participating in the internship preparation program.
Previously, on Tuesday (23/6), ISI BALI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hasami Tohjiki Industrial Association and BESTie Co., Ltd. in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The MoU was signed by ISI BALI Rector, Prof. Dr. I Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, together with Mr. Kazuhiko Ota, Chairman of the Hasami Tohjiki Industrial Association, and Mr. Matsumoto Yuki, CEO of BESTie Co., Ltd. On the same occasion, a Cooperation Agreement was also signed between the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (FSRD) of ISI BALI and the two Japanese partners by the Dean of FSRD, Drs. I Nengah Sudika Negara, M.Erg.
Photo: ISI BALI and BESTie Co., Ltd. discuss preparations for the international internship program in Hasami, Japan, at Sabha Citta Mahottama Hall, ISI BALI, on Wednesday (8/7).
ISI BALI Rector, Prof. I Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, expressed his appreciation for the visit, describing it as an important step toward realizing the international internship program agreed upon by both parties. He noted that technical discussions concerning the training curriculum would be further coordinated with the leadership of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design to ensure that the program aligns with the needs of Japan’s ceramic industry.
“Thank you, Mr. Matsumoto, for your visit. Discussions regarding the training curriculum can be further coordinated with the Dean and the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FSRD. In the near future, ISI BALI will also begin disseminating information regarding the recruitment of participants for the training program,” he said.
In the initial phase, ISI BALI will recruit 25 seventh-semester students from the Study Programs of Craft Arts, Fine Arts, and Product Design. The selected participants will undertake an intensive training program, including Japanese language instruction, scheduled to commence on 1 September 2026 as preparation for entering the professional industry. Upon completion of the training, the eight highest-performing participants will be selected to undertake the international internship program in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The remaining 17 participants will be placed in internship programs with reputable craft industry partners in Indonesia, ensuring that all trainees gain meaningful professional experience relevant to their respective fields of study.
Meanwhile, the CEO of BESTie Co., Ltd., Mr. Matsumoto Yuki, affirmed his company’s readiness to begin the interview process as part of the participant selection for the training program. He also introduced Ms. Alja as one of the Japanese language instructors who will mentor the students throughout the preparation period.
Mr. Matsumoto emphasized that the partnership would not only provide ISI BALI students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills in ceramic arts in Japan but would also serve as a mutually beneficial platform for cultural exchange. According to him, the interest of Japanese students in studying ceramic arts and Balinese culture continues to grow.
“I have observed that many Japanese students are interested in studying ceramics in Bali. After visiting several temples, I have also experienced the richness of Bali’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Experiences like these will undoubtedly become a unique attraction for Japanese students wishing to study here,” he remarked.
He further expressed his hope that the close coordination and collaboration among BESTie Co., Ltd., the Hasami Tohjiki Industrial Association, and ISI BALI would continue to strengthen, ensuring the successful implementation of the training program and international internship while delivering meaningful benefits for all parties involved.
The international internship program in Hasami represents the initial implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation Agreement established between ISI BALI and its Japanese partners. Through this initiative, students will not only gain learning experiences in one of Japan’s leading ceramic production centers but will also broaden their international perspectives, enhance their professional competencies, and strengthen collaborative networks in the fields of arts and the creative industries between Indonesia and Japan.
(ISI BALI Public Relations)
