As part of the Professional Japanese Language course, third-year students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted a field study at PT Bengawan Solo Garment Indonesia (PT BSGI) in Boyolali on October 8, 2025. The activity was attended by 36 students and three accompanying lecturers, who were warmly welcomed by PT BSGI President Director Mr. Hiroyuki Tsutsumi, along with PPIC Manager Ms. Shoko Nakata, HRD staff Ms. Yuni and Ms. Wahyu Indriani, and other company representatives.
This visit aimed to provide students with firsthand experience of how Japanese is used in professional environments while introducing them to the work ethic and corporate culture of Japanese companies operating in Indonesia. Established in January 2001, PT BSGI is a Japan-based Foreign Investment Company (PMA) specializing in garment production, with all its products exported to Japan. PT BSGI serves as an ideal learning site for students to observe authentic Japanese workplace settings and explore potential career paths within Japanese-affiliated companies.
The program began with a presentation session delivered in Japanese by Mr. Tsutsumi and Ms. Nakata, covering the company’s profile, work culture, and key principles of professionalism upheld by PT BSGI. This was followed by an interactive discussion session, where both lecturers and students engaged directly with company executives and staff to discuss career opportunities for Japanese Studies graduates and gain deeper insight into working in a Japanese company environment.
After the discussion, participants were given a guided factory tour to observe the garment production process and the daily operations across several divisions. During this session, students witnessed firsthand how values such as discipline, work ethic, and kaizen (continuous improvement) are implemented in practice—hallmarks of Japanese corporate culture.
This field study provided students with valuable, real-world exposure to the professional use of Japanese language and work practices. Beyond expanding students’ academic and cultural understanding, the visit also strengthened the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program’s partnership with the industrial sector, particularly Japanese enterprises operating in Indonesia.
Writer: Barra Taura Nursa’id
Editor: Stedi Wardoyo
