Why did you choose Ritsumeikan University?

Main reason, Ritsumeikan University provides some classes in English, and has great professors in Economics Development. Some international events are also held frequently inside and outside campus giving international students opportunity to make friends with Japanese students and to learn about Japanese and other countries’ cultures. This campus also respects us as Moslem students by facilitating us with halal food in cafeteria, and praying room. Last but not least, Ritsumeikan University is also located in strategic area surrounded by beautiful scenery, and provided by lots of sport facilities that could be used by students to release stress after studying.

About study in Ritsumeikan University?

Studying in Ritsumeikan University is one of my best decisions that I’ve ever made. Not only education and knowledge, I also could get lots of life experience here. For instance: learning new cultures, personal development, and making lifelong friends from around the world. It helps me a lot in my future to have all of these opportunities.

To get the better understanding in studying related fields, Ritsumeikan University, especially Master Program of Economic Development (MPED), gave study not only in classes, but also direct experiences by doing factory visits, such as: TOTO, Toyota, METI Japan, etc.

Theme of Master Thesis, about reality of research?

My Master Thesis is about “The Impact of the Mandatory Indonesian National Standard (INS) Regulation on Indonesia’s Imports. Case Study: Toys and Steel Industry”. I used a quantitative data analysis named gravity model to predict the trade flows in the international economics area based on the economic size (GDP) and distance as a proxy of trade cost.

Policy implication of the research is that INS as a barrier is unlikely to be efficient in the long term. So, the Indonesian government should create the proper actions, such as focusing on an assistance program for encouraging the domestic producers to raise their competitiveness in the market.

Story about the difficulty that you faced?

Studying in Ritsumeikan University was so convenient. I did not get any major problem here. However, in daily life, season differences become a matter. In my home country Indonesia, we only have two seasons, dry and rainy season. Meanwhile, Japan is a four-season country where the temperature can be under 0 degree of Celsius in winter. Moreover, even though in classes using English, but it would be better if we could speak Japanese to communicate with local people. As a Moslem, finding halal foods sometimes become a problem when we stroll around the cities. But, it can be handled by checking the ingredients carefully.

Recommending points about Ritsumeikan University?

Ritsumeikan University provides some programs in English. So, foreigners don’t need to be a master in Japanese. Besides, Ritsumeikan University also has great professors in their fields. It would be a big help for you to complete the researches in related fields. Moreover, if you’re a Moslem, Ritsumeikan University provides halal foods in cafeteria and praying room. Some international events are also frequently held allowing international students to mingle with Japanese students and learning new cultures. Lastly, this campus has great facilities inside, for instance: a dormitory called “i-house” and sport facilities, such as: gymnasium, pool, tennis court, etc.

Career path after graduation?

After I graduated from MPED Ritsumeikan University in 2017, I went back to my home country. I continue my career path in Ministry of Industry Republic of Indonesia. In 2018, I got promoted as a Head of Section of Intra-Organizational Relations, Public Relations Bureau, Ministry of Industry Republic of Indonesia. Then, since 2020 until now, I have moved to Industrial Training Centre of Denpasar, Ministry of Industry Republic of Indonesia as a Specialist of Government Public Relations.