A Stakeholder-Based Curriculum Approach to Japanese Language Education in Indonesia: Integrating Language and Intercultural Competence for Internship Program in Japan

Abstract

This study aims to identify the competencies required by Japanese companies to accept interns and provide implications for the development of a stakeholder-based curriculum for Japanese language study programs in Indonesia. This study used a mixed methods approach through a survey of 20 Japanese companies and interviews with industry representatives. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results showed that cross-cultural understanding was the most needed competency (4.10). In terms of soft skills, moral integrity (4.22), loyalty (4.16), and teamwork (4.10) were the main competencies. These findings suggest that the success of an internship program is determined not only by language skills but also by the ability to adapt to Japanese work culture. This research emphasizes the importance of developing a stakeholder-based curriculum that integrates language, cross-cultural, and professional skills competencies to enhance students' work readiness in an international environment.