Ken Soetanto, a notable Indonesian in Japan

 

Who is the most famous Indonesian in Japan?

Would it be Soekarno, Indonesia’s first president? Maybe. Or Gesang, the creator of legendary song Bengawan Solo? Perhaps, as the Japanese really like that song.

Nonetheless, there is one name that sometimes being overlooked: Ken Soetanto. He is not a public figure but an academic, or a scientist to be more precise. His achievement in the rising sun country deserves a high respect.

Thus far, Ken Soetanto is the only Indonesian who earned four post doctorates degree from four different universities in Japan. He is also a head lecturer at a college, or known as professor. Soetanto is an academic who conducts research and study diligently. During his entire career up to the present time, he has successfully patented more than 40 international-standard research.

The students in Japan have great respect at Soetanto as a great scientist. His ways of teaching is very impressive in the hearts of his students. They call his teaching method a ‘Soetanto effect/method’. Until now, Soetanto is still a loyal researcher, doing research and sharing his knowledge on several campuses in Japan.

The prominence of Soetanto is recognized and appreciated by the Japanese government. He once served as a vice dean at the Waseda University and the director of a research institute funded by the Japanese government. In addition, Soetanto is also a guest professor at a college in Italy.

Even though has been working in Japan for many years, Soetanto still keeps his Indonesian citizenship and loves his country that much. Once a year he returns to his hometown Surabaya. The Japanese government has actually offered him a citizenship long time ago, but he declined it. The Chinese government too, who recognizes the porominence of Soetanto, offers him citizenship. Likewise, he also declined it.

Perhaps some would question why Soetanto did not work in his home country? Only him who knows the answer. But at least, Soetanto has already flagged Indonesia high by being a notable diaspora in a foreign country. Gambatte kudasai! (DM)
(Photos: from various sources)